Grandmother reveals family anguish over the agonising four-month hold up before they can lay Kumanjayi Little Baby to rest - as tragic tot's funeral date is finally confirmed

By KARLEIGH SMITH - SENIOR REPORTER, AUSTRALIA Published: 02:01, 7 August 2026 | Updated: 02:01, 7 August 2026 The grandmother of allegedly murdered Alice Springs five-year-old Kumanjayi Little Baby has spoken of her distress at waiting almost four months to lay the child to rest. Kumanjayi's body was found on April 25 in the dry Todd River bed near the Aboriginal Town Camp where she lived with her mother, and will finally be buried on August 15. The child's death saw a nationwide outpouring of grief, and sparked violent riots across the red centre when her alleged killer Jefferson Lewis, 47, was arrested.  Kumanjayi was allegedly snatched from the town camp late at night, sparking a massive search effort until her body was located 5km away five days later. But no funeral has been able to take place in the four months since the grim discovery.  On Thursday, Kumanjayi's grandmother Karen White, aunt to the child's mother Jacinta White, told the Daily Mail it was 'taking too long'.  She blamed 'people' for the hold up but without clarifying exactly who was responsible for the delay.  But Warlpiri elder and family figurehead Robin Granites said finishing traditional 'sorry business' mourning and alerting relatives in remote communities had taken time.  Five-year-old Kumanjayi Little Baby was allegedly murdered around Anzac Day Grandmother figure Karen White said she didn't know why her funeral was taking so long Granites family spokesperson, Warlpiri elder Robin Granites, explained the delay He said mourners would be travelling from Yuendumu - 300km north-east of Alice Springs - while others were also coming from overseas.  'I know it's a bit late, but people needed to be told what was going on,' he said. 'A lot of people are in isolated communities and some don't have phones. We needed to make sure the rightful people knew what was going on.' Mr Granites also revealed Kumanjayi's father, Raphael Granites, was being released from prison to attend his daughter's funeral. 'He'll be in there for quite a while, but he is coming out for it,' Mr Granites said. He revealed the funeral would span two days, with the burial occurring at Alice Springs Garden Cemetery from 10am to 1pm.  The night before, a church service featuring a choir will be held. Mr Granites said the family was still recovering from the tragedy. Jefferson Lewis is facing court over Kumanjayi's alleged murder Mourners gathered near the child's home in May, placing flowers in remembrance 'We are OK. We are looking after each other and connecting together,' he said. Lewis was arrested after a five-day manhunt and remanded in custody charged with murder and two other charges that cannot be disclosed for legal reasons. He faced Alice Springs Local Court again last week but the case was adjourned to December because of the extensive amount of evidence being collated. The ABC reported Kumanjayi's family did not wish to enter the court but that some extended family sat outside on the lawns opposite.  When Lewis was found hiding near a storage container on April 30, a crowd gathered demanding mob justice.  Lewis was beaten and ambulance officers were injured as police attempted to take him into custody, but were forced to take him to hospital instead due to his injuries. The angry mob then gathered around the hospital, throwing rocks, setting police cars on fire and looting local businesses.  Lewis was rushed to Darwin in the early hours of May 1 on a private jet to get him out of reach of the furious locals and for the safety of hospital staff.  The little girl's death sparked fury in Alice Springs, with locals demanding mob justice On Thursday NT Police told the Daily Mail they were making preparations for the funeral. 'Police are aware of the funeral, and our thoughts remain with the family and loved ones during this difficult time,' said a spokesman.  'Where necessary, police will have appropriate resources available to respond to any matters that may arise.  'However, the day is about remembering and reflecting on the life of a much-loved little girl and allowing her family and community the space to grieve.' Six child protection reports were made about Kumanjayi shortly before her death - but none were investigated, The Australian revealed. The latest report was in connection to an alleged aggravated assault on the little girl's mother on April 22. Her father was charged and remains in custody.  Northern Territory's Department of Children and Families received reports about the five-year-old living in a 'dangerous environment' from mid-March until two days before she disappeared. Police responded to two reports in March and four more in April, with sources claiming officers were frustrated by a lack of action by child services. It's understood Kumanjayi Little Baby's mother was given referrals to support services but authorities had trouble staying in touch with her. The five-year-old was never removed from her mother's care.