Northern Territory Police have delivered a glimmer of hope in the terrifying disappearance of five-year-old Sharon Granites, declaring they believe the little girl snatched from her bed in Alice Springs is still alive. As the search enters its third day on April 28, 2026, authorities say Sharon may still be somewhere in the town, intensifying efforts to locate both her and the key person of interest who vanished at the same time.

Sharon was last seen safe and sound when her family tucked her into bed around 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 25, at their home on Marshall Court in the Old Timers Aboriginal town camp, south of Alice Springs. When her mother checked less than two hours later, just after 1:30 a.m. Sunday, the bed was empty. There were no signs of forced entry and the back door was unlocked — a detail that has left investigators deeply concerned about how the child disappeared so silently.

Acting on strong evidence, police now treat the case as a suspected abduction. Assistant Commissioner Peter Malley confirmed they believe 47-year-old Jefferson Lewis took the girl. Lewis, recently released from prison just six days earlier, had been staying at the family home. He was last seen holding Sharon’s hand around 11 p.m. Saturday night at the camp. Both have not been seen since.

In a major update on Tuesday, police stated clearly: “We do believe Sharon is alive.” Malley emphasized that finding her safe and well remains the force’s number one priority. However, he added the sobering reality that as time passes, the chances of locating her unharmed decrease — which explains the massive resources poured into the operation. A fugitive task force and major crime unit have been deployed, making this one of the largest investigations in the region in recent years.

The search is relentless. Foot patrols, police dogs, drones, and aerial surveillance continue across the rugged outback around Alice Springs. Volunteers from the tight-knit Indigenous community have joined officers, scouring bushland, dry riverbeds, and waterholes. Despite the scale, no confirmed sightings of Sharon or Lewis have been reported since Saturday night. Police believe the pair may still be together and possibly hiding somewhere in or near Alice Springs.

Jefferson Lewis has an extensive criminal history, including convictions for assault, domestic violence, breaching orders, and resisting police. He was not imprisoned for child-related offenses, and police stress he is not closely related to Sharon’s family but was known to them and present that night. His sudden disappearance alongside the child has made him the central focus of the manhunt.

The Old Timers Camp is in shock. Residents describe Sharon as a bright, happy little girl with dark hair and eyes who brought joy to everyone. The community has mobilized fully — mothers keeping children indoors, search parties forming daily, and an outpouring of support from across Australia. One relative called it “our worst nightmare,” while others expressed both fear and determination to bring her home.

This case has ignited national conversation about safety in remote Indigenous communities. Unlocked doors are common due to cultural norms and trust within the camp, but this tragedy has shattered that sense of security. Child protection advocates are calling for more resources, better lighting, and support systems to prevent similar incidents in vulnerable areas.

Forensic teams continue examining the family home for trace evidence, while detectives piece together the exact timeline. Lewis was captured on bodycam footage earlier that evening during a separate police call-out to the camp. The fact that he was released from prison so recently without strict conditions has raised questions about post-release monitoring.

Sharon’s family has made emotional pleas through media, begging for her safe return and urging anyone with information to come forward anonymously. Police have set up a dedicated tip line and continue appealing directly to the public: even the smallest detail could save her life. Rewards for information are expected to be announced soon.

As the search stretches into its critical phase, hope mixes with urgency. Police remain optimistic that Sharon is alive and still in the Alice Springs area, but they know every hour without a sighting increases the danger. The outback landscape is harsh and unforgiving, yet the determination of both law enforcement and the community offers a powerful counterforce.

This developing story reminds the nation how fragile safety can be — even in the supposed sanctuary of a child’s bed. As teams comb every corner of Alice Springs and beyond, the focus stays laser-sharp: bring Sharon Granites home safe to her devastated family. Anyone with information is urged to contact Northern Territory Police immediately.