After an extensive search effort, the girl, who disappeared from her home on Saturday night, was found dead on Thursday morning, reports Australian ABC News.
Around 400 "angry people" gathered outside the hospital where the suspect was being treated after the news emerged, demanding "revenge," police said on Friday, according to ABC News. Police fired tear gas at the protests after several projectiles were thrown and police cars were damaged.
The man was reportedly taken to a hospital after he was severely beaten by a group of people who recognized him as the person police were chasing.
The girl was from a small community near Alice Springs, where the population is predominantly Australian Aboriginal. Taking "revenge" (payback) is a form of punishment in Aboriginal tradition in central Australia, according to ABC News.
Two police officers, a firefighter and two ambulance paramedics were injured in connection with the violence, police said.
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