NT Police have charged 47-year-old Jefferson Lewis with the murder of five-year-old Kumantjayi Little Baby following her abduction that led to a massive five-day search effort by hundreds in Alice Springs ending when her body was discovered Thursday morning.

Lewis faces one count of murder and two counts of sexual intercourse without consent, NT Police said early Sunday, however the sex charges were quietly removed from the official police statement later in the day. Lewis has been remanded and is expected to appear in Alice Springs Local Court via video link from Darwin on Tuesday morning.

The five-year-old Warlpiri girl went missing from a bed at Old Timers town camp near Alice Springs late on Saturday April 25, after her mother put her down at the home, with her disappearance reported to police hours later. Her remains were discovered five days later, approximately five kilometres south of the camp.

Lewis was arrested while unconscious Thursday night after being severely beaten by vigilantes when he attended another town camp. His arrest sparked violent riots involving hundreds outside Alice Springs Hospital, where crowds clashed with police and lit fires, resulting in tear gas and rubber bullets deployed to disperse them.

Authorities later transferred Lewis to an undisclosed location in Darwin early Friday. They announced on Sunday that several people allegedly involved in the riots and damage to a service station and supermarket have been arrested and are expected to be charged.

The region remains in a period of Sorry Business as families and elders called for calm while justice takes its course.

Flowers, toys, and cards were laid at the entrance of the Old Timers town camp as tributes, reports indicated. Robin Japanangka Granites, Kumantjayi Little Baby’s grandfather, expressed relief on Sunday that charges had been laid and warned not to make the death a political issue.

“I also ask all our politicians, leaders to be respectful of this sorry time,” he told NITV on Sunday.

“We too need to work together on this, on many issues facing our people and communities here in Central Australia, but our little baby’s passing must not become a politician issue or an argument.”

Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro made the national television media rounds Saturday morning, unusually telling Sunrise that she expected police would lay charges against Lewis later that day.

Mr Granites reiterated his calls on Sunday for everyone to remain calm and respect the legal process.

As of Sunday, at least six people have been arrested or are facing charges in connection to the Thursday night riot, that also saw a Shell service station damaged and looted.

Police said on Sunday that five individuals were arrested for “riotous behaviour”, which follows a single female arrested on Thursday night for allegedly setting fire to a police vehicle.

The unrest, sparked by the admission of Lewis to the hospital, reportedly involved up to 400 people demanding police give him up for payback.

The riot led to assaults on emergency personnel, significant damage to ambulances and other vehicles, and looting at the service station.

Police said on Sunday the service station near the hospital and a supermarket “sustained significant damages and property loss estimated at a total of $105,000 stolen and $80,000 in damages”.

“Following a review into CCTV and media outlet footage, five people aged 18, 26, 34, 46 and 49 have all been arrested and remain in custody with charges expected to follow,” NT Police media director Mark Wilton said in a statement.

“Further offenders have been identified, and multiple arrests are expected to be made in coming days.”

Police are still investigating those allegedly involved in helping Lewis evade police during the week, with charges still possible, Police Commissioner Martin Dole said on Sunday.

Police said last Monday they believed Lewis had abducted Kumantjayi Little Baby and had been seen holding the girl’s hand at some point earlier in the evening on Saturday at the same house where a party was being held. Police said on Tuesday a crime scene behind the house had been established.

It wasn’t until Wednesday that they disclosed the girl’s underwear, a doona cover and Lewis’ shirt were found at the crime scene, with DNA tests on the girl’s clothing later confirming a match with Lewis.

Mr Dole said police had “formally interviewed” Lewis on Saturday.

Police are calling for anyone with more information about the rioters to contact them on 131 444 or CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.