Warning: This article contains the image of an Indigenous person who has died. Her image has been used with family permission.

A candlelight vigil has given an outback community a chance to grieve together as fall-out from a little girl’s alleged murder catches up with rioters, looters and child protection workers.

Five-year-old Kumanjayi Little Baby, a name used in line with cultural tradition after her death, was reported missing from a home at a town camp on the outskirts of Alice Springs on April 25.

Her disappearance triggered a massive five-day land and air search for her and her alleged abductor until her body was found in scrubland on April 30.

Jefferson Lewis, 47, has been charged with her murder and other offences.

Candlelight vigils were held at Alice Springs’ Anzac sports oval and around Australia on Thursday evening to honour the little girl.

The vigils were a sea of pink as the Australian community came together to mourn the death of the little girl.

Mourners wear pink during a Community vigil for Kumanjayi Little Baby, Darwin, Thursday, May 7, 2026. Five-year-old Kumanjayi Little Baby, a name used in line with cultural tradition after her death, was reported missing from a home at a town camp on the outskirts of Alice Springs on April 25. (AAP Image/Lloyd Jones) NO ARCHIVINGMourners wear pink during a Community vigil for Kumanjayi Little Baby, Darwin, Thursday, May 7, 2026. Five-year-old Kumanjayi Little Baby, a name used in line with cultural tradition after her death, was reported missing from a home at a town camp on the outskirts of Alice Springs on April 25. (AAP Image/Lloyd Jones) NO ARCHIVING Credit: LLOYD JONES/AAPIMAGE Mourners wear pink during a Community vigil for Kumanjayi Little Baby, Darwin, Thursday, May 7, 2026. Five-year-old Kumanjayi Little Baby, a name used in line with cultural tradition after her death, was reported missing from a home at a town camp on the outskirts of Alice Springs on April 25. (AAP Image/Lloyd Jones) NO ARCHIVINGMourners wear pink during a Community vigil for Kumanjayi Little Baby, Darwin, Thursday, May 7, 2026. Five-year-old Kumanjayi Little Baby, a name used in line with cultural tradition after her death, was reported missing from a home at a town camp on the outskirts of Alice Springs on April 25. (AAP Image/Lloyd Jones) NO ARCHIVING Credit: LLOYD JONES/AAPIMAGE

The vigil comes as police continue to track down and arrest people who took part in rioting and looting triggered by the arrest of Lewis last Thursday, with 30 people already charged.

Northern Territory Child Protection Minister Robyn Cahill on Wednesday announced three child protection officers had also been stood down pending an investigation into how Kumanjayi Little Baby’s welfare case was handled.

It’s been revealed there were six recent reports made by police, women’s shelter staff and a relative about the girl’s living conditions and her potential exposure to harm.

A broader independent investigation into the structure of the department was needed, the minister said, with a probable restructure down the track.

Jefferson Lewis is accused of abducting Kumanjayi Little Baby from a home near Alice Springs. (HANDOUT/NORTHERN TERRITORY POLICE FORCE)Jefferson Lewis is accused of abducting Kumanjayi Little Baby from a home near Alice Springs. (HANDOUT/NORTHERN TERRITORY POLICE FORCE) Credit: AAP Mourners wear pink during a Community vigil for Kumanjayi Little Baby, Darwin, Thursday, May 7, 2026. Five-year-old Kumanjayi Little Baby, a name used in line with cultural tradition after her death, was reported missing from a home at a town camp on the outskirts of Alice Springs on April 25. (AAP Image/Lloyd Jones) NO ARCHIVINGMourners wear pink during a Community vigil for Kumanjayi Little Baby, Darwin, Thursday, May 7, 2026. Five-year-old Kumanjayi Little Baby, a name used in line with cultural tradition after her death, was reported missing from a home at a town camp on the outskirts of Alice Springs on April 25. (AAP Image/Lloyd Jones) NO ARCHIVING Credit: LLOYD JONES/AAPIMAGE

“There are so many children who have had repeated notifications made where zero action is taken for a number of years and those children subsequently have ended up in the criminal justice system,” she said.

“We’re not going to be able to deliver better outcomes for children unless we shift our focus.”

Lewis was arrested at a town camp in Alice after he identified himself to residents, who beat him unconscious.

He was placed under guard at Alice Springs Hospital, where an angry crowd outside demanded he face traditional justice, with some rioters looting local businesses.

Several emergency services personnel were injured and police vehicles and ambulances were badly damaged, including one police car torched.

Lewis was flown to Darwin by the NT Police air wing to protect him and hospital staff.