The abduction is suspected to have occurred from the Old Timers town camp residence near Alice Springs, major media reports. Jefferson Lewis, 47, had been released from prison six days before the disappearance. Sharon was last seen by her family when she was put to bed around 11:30 PM on Saturday and was reported missing about two hours later.
Police believe the girl is still alive and have established a 20 square kilometer search zone, Assistant Commissioner Peter Malley said in a press conference. No confirmed sightings of the pair have been made, police said. About 70 volunteers, along with police, emergency services, and defence personnel, are involved. Search assets include helicopters, heat-seeking drones, dog units, horses, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, Aboriginal trackers, and members of the Australian Army Reserve.
Jefferson Lewis has a 'loose connection' to Sharon's family and was staying at their residence after prison release, police said. From 2016 to 2025, Lewis was sentenced to 64 months in prison for offences including aggravated assaults, breaching domestic violence orders, resisting police, and breaching bail, according to major media. Police had been called to a party at Old Timers town camp on Saturday night but no offences were detected. Police released body-worn camera images of Lewis captured on the night of the disappearance. Assistant Commissioner Peter Malley said Lewis was probably under the influence of alcohol and was seen holding hands with Sharon around 11 PM. Lewis allegedly led Sharon away toward an area near Alice Springs Telegraph Station, which has been declared a crime scene. Police do not believe Lewis had access to a vehicle but do not rule out someone driving him, police said. 'Our number one mission is to find little Sharon safe and well and we're doing everything within our power,' Malley said. 'As time goes on, the chances of finding her alive and well reduce, hence the amount of resources we have here in Alice Springs.'