ALICE SPRINGS — A frantic search is underway for a five-year-old girl named Sharon, who authorities believe was abducted from her home at the Old Timers Camp near Alice Springs early Sunday morning. Police received reports she could not be located at her Marshall Court residence around 1:35 am Sunday. She was last seen around 11:30 pm Saturday.
The Northern Territory Police Force is urging the public for assistance in locating Sharon and a 47-year-old man, Jefferson Lewis, who police state can aid their inquiries. Over 50 police officers, assisted by the NT Emergency Service and a police dog, are actively involved in the search. Authorities have also indicated they have been unable to locate some other members of the Old Timers Camp community. Sharon was last seen wearing a dark blue short-sleeved T-shirt with white stripes around the neck and sleeves, and black boxer-style underwear.
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Police Pursue Abduction Angle
Initially described as a welfare concern, Northern Territory Police have now escalated their stance, stating they believe Sharon was abducted. Acting Superintendent Ordelman confirmed the shift in suspicion, indicating that while they initially thought she might have wandered off, the current belief is that of abduction. A police dog has been deployed in an attempt to track her whereabouts.
Broader Context of Alice Springs Crime Concerns
This incident occurs against a backdrop of significant safety concerns in Alice Springs. In recent times, the town has seen reports of violent crime, including an alleged home invasion where a two-month-old baby was hospitalized in December 2024. Politicians have voiced calls for "drastic action" amid public fear. Furthermore, there have been incidents of alleged assaults, including that of four off-duty police officers, and calls for independent investigations into police conduct following deaths in custody. In separate incidents not directly linked to Sharon's disappearance, police have recently dealt with attempted child abductions and charges related to child abduction in the Alice Springs area.
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A 23-year-old man was charged in February 2025 for an abduction that occurred on February 27th of that year.
In August 2022, a second woman was charged in relation to the alleged abduction of a five-year-old girl in Berrimah, with the child later found safe.
A man was charged in relation to an attempted child abduction on Blain Street, Araluen, where witnesses reportedly intervened.
Authorities are urging anyone with any information regarding Sharon's whereabouts or Jefferson Lewis to contact police immediately on 000 or 131 444, referencing P26120934. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers.
