WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that this story includes the name and image of an Indigenous person who has passed away.
This article may be distressing to some readers.
Calls for calm and space to grieve are being led by Kumanjayi Little Baby’s family, as Alice Springs continues to process the shock and devastation of her death.
Senior Yapa (Warlpiri) Elder and family spokesperson Robin Granites said the priority now must be Sorry Business and respect for cultural practices as the community mourns.
“It is time now for Sorry Business, to show respect for our family and have space for grieving and remembering,” he said.
“Everyone is feeling very upset and emotions are very high, I understand that.
“What has happened this week is not our way. Our children are precious, of course we are feeling angry and hurt at what has happened.”
His appeal comes after a tense night in Alice Springs, following the capture and arrest of the suspect at the centre of the case.
Following his apprehension by members of the public, police transported the 47-year-old to Alice Springs Hospital, where hundreds gathered as knowledge of his whereabouts spread.
As emotions boiled over, some clashes occurred, underscoring the intensity of grief and anger felt across the community.
Mr Granites acknowledged those emotions, but urged people to allow the legal process to unfold.
“This man has been caught, thanks to community action, and we must now let justice take its course while we take the time to mourn Kumantjayi Little Baby and support our family,” he said.
He also called on people in surrounding communities to carefully consider travel into Mparntwe, the Arrernte name for Alice Springs, during this period.
“If you need to come to join sorry business, that’s fine. But just come for that, then return home please,” he said.
“Now is not the time to be heroes on social media or make trouble.
“We must be mindful Mparntwe is traditional country for Central Arrernte, and East and Western Arrernte as well. We must respect that and their ways.
“We need to be strong for each other, we must respect family and cultural practice. This is the Yapa way.”
Earlier, Arrernte and Luritja woman Catherine Liddle described a community in shock, with widespread grief affecting daily life.
“Everyone is shaky. No one knows quite how to feel. Everyone’s devastated and heartbroken,” she said.
“Everyone is in deep mourning and deep shock.”
Indigenous Australians Minister Malarndirri McCarthy echoed the calls for restraint, stressing the need to protect the integrity of the criminal investigation.
“There needs to be calm and there needs to be a proper process now in terms of this criminal investigation,” she said.
“And it must not be jeopardised by foolishness in terms of the work that has to be done for police and by police to get this investigation done appropriately.”
Northern Territory Police Commissioner Martin Dole said strong leadership and unity would be critical in the days ahead.
“We’ve seen this community come together and stand shoulder to shoulder, and now is not the time to step away from that collegiality,” he said.
“I understand that people are grieving, and I understand that people are upset, but please let the police do their job.”
He confirmed the 47-year-old man at the centre of the investigation remains in custody, with charges expected as forensic work continues.
The accused has been transferred to Darwin due to safety concerns following the unrest.
“Our job is to serve and protect. We don’t get to choose who we protect,” Commissioner Dole said.
As Alice Springs mourns, Mr Granites said the focus must remain on cultural respect, unity and supporting the family through their grief.
“We need to be strong for each other,” he said.
“This is the Yapa way.”
