Alice Springs missing child: Search for 5yo Sharon, who police believe was abducted, enters its third day

For more than 50 hours, five-year-old Sharon has been missing in the NT and authorities say ‘the increasing passing of time is concerning’.

Emily Williams
The Nightly
A five-year-old girl named Sharon has gone missing from her home near Alice Springs, Northern Territory, and is believed to have been abducted.

The search for missing five-year-old Sharon has entered its third day in Alice Springs.

Sharon was last seen in bed at her family residence at Old Timers Town Camp about 11.30pm on Saturday and she was reported missing to police about 1.30am on Sunday.

She was last seen wearing a dark blue, short-sleeve t-shirt, with white stripes around the neck and sleeves; and black, boxer-style underwear.

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On Monday, Acting Commander Mark Grieve said NT Police believed Sharon had been abducted from her home and they were looking for a 47-year-old man, Jefferson Lewis, who they say could be key to finding the five-year-old.

“He is believed to have been in the area around that time and staying at the residence,” he said.

“Considering himself and Sharon went missing at around about the same time, it certainly brings about those suspicious circumstances and we’d like to speak to him about that.

“If he is involved, we certainly hope that no harm has come to Sharon.”

5-year-old Sharon has been missing from her home in Alice Springs since Saturday night.
5-year-old Sharon has been missing from her home in Alice Springs since Saturday night. Credit: NT Police

Acting Commander Grieve said Mr Lewis, who is not believed to be directly related to Sharon, was one of the few people in the area at the time the child went missing who has not made themselves known to police and attempts to contact him have so far been unsuccessful.

It is not known whether he has access to a vehicle.

Mr Lewis was recently released from prison.

Jefferson Lewis is wanted by police, who believe the 47-year-old can provide more information about Sharon's disappearance.
Jefferson Lewis is wanted by police, who believe the 47-year-old can provide more information about Sharon's disappearance. Credit: NT Police

Searches in the area have involved horses, ATVs, helicopters, and thermal imaging and sensor drones.

Initially, police believed Sharon had “walked out of the residence and wandered off” because the doors to her family home were open and the fly screen was unlocked.

Detective Michael Ordelman said, according to NT News, that “the increasing passage of time is concerning.”

Acting Commander Grieve urged anyone with any information, “regardless of how small in detail”, to contact police on 131 444 and quote the reference number P26120934.

“You just don’t know what piece of information might complete the jigsaw puzzle,” he said.

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