Northern Territory Police are conducting an urgent manhunt for a 47-year-old man in connection with the suspected abduction of a five-year-old girl from her home in Alice Springs. The child, named Sharon Granites, was last seen when she was put to bed at her family’s residence in the Old Timers Camp (also known as Ilyperenye), south of Alice Springs, shortly before 11:30pm on Saturday, April 25, 2026. She was reported missing around 1:30am on Sunday, April 26, after her family discovered her bed empty.

Police now believe Sharon was abducted from the property under suspicious circumstances. Officers are seeking 47-year-old Jefferson Lewis, who had been staying at the same town camp and disappeared around the same time as the girl. Lewis was released from prison just six days before the incident and has a history of domestic and family violence-related offences, according to authorities. He is described as a person of significant interest who police believe may be able to assist with their inquiries.

Acting Commander Mark Grieve stated that investigators treat the disappearance as an abduction. CCTV and witness information reportedly show Lewis in the area near the time Sharon went missing, including images of a man holding a young girl’s hand. A large-scale search operation is underway involving police, Aboriginal trackers, volunteers, and specialist units. Police have emphasised they believe Sharon is still alive and are racing against time to locate her safely.

The Old Timers Camp is an Aboriginal town camp on Marshall Court. The tight-knit community has been left in shock by the event, with many locals assisting in the search efforts. Police have described the circumstances as highly concerning, noting there was no sign of forced entry reported, raising questions about how the child was taken from her bedroom during the night without immediate detection.

Northern Territory Police have appealed for public assistance and urged anyone who may have seen Lewis or the girl to contact them immediately on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers. Lewis is considered a person who should not be approached, and police have issued an arrest warrant in relation to the matter.

Sharon Granites is described as an Aboriginal five-year-old girl. She was last seen wearing pyjamas when put to bed. Authorities have released images of both the child and the suspect to aid the search. The case has drawn significant attention across Australia, with concerns heightened by the remote Outback location and the vulnerability of young children in town camps.

This incident has prompted renewed discussion about safety in remote Aboriginal communities and the challenges of monitoring individuals recently released from custody with histories of violence. Police have deployed additional resources, including the Fugitive Task Force, to support the operation in Alice Springs.

As the search enters its third day, officers continue to comb surrounding areas while following up on possible sightings. The family of Sharon Granites has made emotional appeals for information, urging anyone with knowledge of her whereabouts to come forward without delay.

Northern Territory Police have asked the public to remain vigilant and report any relevant details promptly. The investigation remains active and ongoing, with updates expected as new information becomes available. Authorities continue to stress that locating Sharon safely is their absolute priority.