Northern Territory police are urgently searching for a five-year-old Aboriginal girl, Sharon, who vanished from the Old Timers camp in Alice Springs on Saturday night. Authorities believe she was led away by a 47-year-old man, Jefferson Lewis, who was seen holding her hand shortly before her disappearance.
Details of the Disappearance
Sharon was last seen in her bed at around 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, 2026. Her mother reported her missing at 1:35 a.m. on Sunday. Police quickly linked the girl's disappearance to Lewis, who was also reported absent from the camp around the same time.
Assistant Commissioner Peter Malley stated that Lewis had been drinking and allegedly abducted Sharon. “He was last seen with a little girl holding hands at about 11 o’clock at night,” Malley said. Police have cordoned off a crime scene where they believe Lewis may have taken the child.
Search Efforts
Despite extensive searches covering over 20 kilometers, there have been no confirmed sightings of Sharon or Lewis. Police believe Sharon is still alive, but concerns are growing. “As time goes on, the chances of finding her alive and well are reduced,” Malley noted.
Search resources include 60 ground units, helicopters, heat-imaging drones, dog units, and mounted units. The North-West Mobile Force (Norforce) is also assisting. Aboriginal trackers and volunteers from local land councils are participating in the search.
Sharon was last seen wearing a dark blue short-sleeve T-shirt with a white stripe around the neck and sleeves, and black boxers-style underwear. Authorities believe she remains in Alice Springs.
Suspect Background
Jefferson Lewis is known to police for domestic and family violence offenses. He was recently released from prison but was not under any supervision orders. An arrest warrant has been issued for him.
Leanne Liddle, NT Police executive director of cultural reform, said Sharon's mother is “very distressed” and receiving support. The community has rallied, with many volunteers joining the search.
Police urge anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers.
