Violence in Australian town following arrest of man for girl’s murder6 hrs agoSimon AtkinsonandToby Man,SydneyWarning to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Readers: This article contains references to someone that has died. Jefferson Lewis was arrested on Thursday night, local time, in Alice Springs after being reportedly attacked by members of the community. “Payback” refers to traditional punishment under Aboriginal Customary Law in Central Australia, usually carried out by Elders to achieve harmony between Indigenous groups and families. “Bringing the term ‘payback,’ into this situation just fuels violence,” said Liddle. “Rhett Hammetton/EPAVideos from the scene show crowds throwing things at police and items being thrown. The police vehicles appeared to be damaged. At least one person was arrested for trying to set fire on a police car. Dole said that the scenes outside of the hospital could not be excused, explained or accepted. He told ABC that the scenes outside the hospital were not “reflective” of what the community in Alice Springs had been like in the past five days. Lewis’ injuries were not serious enough to keep him at the hospital, and he was flown to Darwin, where he was taken into custody by police. He said that police were sure someone in the community was helping him and warned, “we’re going after you too”. Forensic tests to confirm the identity of the young girl and her cause of death will be continued on Friday. Kumanjayi’s Little Baby’s Grandfather called for calm. In a statement, Robin Granites, an elder Yapa (Warlpiri), said that “what happened this week was not our way.” “Our children are precious and we are naturally angry and hurt by what has happened. “This man was caught, thanks in part to community action. We must now let justice run its course, while we mourn Kumanjayi Baby and support our families. “Northern Territory PolicePolice were combing nearby bush for Lewis who was released six days before Kumanjayi Baby disappeared. Dole said that everyone involved in her search had held out hope to find her alive. “It was absolutely devastating to everyone involved when we made that discovery yesterday,” he said. In a statement released on Thursday, Kumanjayi’s mother said she loved her daughter and missed her. It will be hard to live without you for the rest of our life. “We know that you are in heaven, with your family and Jesus. We will meet one day. Me and your brother will meet you one day.
