Fugitive Dezi Freeman Shot Dead in North-East Victoria After Seven-Month Manhunt

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Fugitive Dezi Freeman Shot Dead in North-East Victoria After Seven-Month Manhunt
Dezi FreemanPolice ShootingVictoria Police

Dezi Freeman, a fugitive wanted for the shooting deaths of two police officers, was shot and killed by police in north-east Victoria after a seven-month manhunt. The incident ended a lengthy search that began after Freeman fatally shot two officers in August 2025. The police are investigating how Freeman evaded capture and whether he received assistance.

After a seven-month manhunt, fugitive Dezi Freeman , a sovereign citizen, was shot and killed by heavily armed police in north-east Victoria on Monday morning. The incident occurred near Walwa, approximately 188 kilometers north-east of Porepunkah , the location where Freeman had evaded capture since August 26, 2025. Freeman was found inside a structure, described as a combination of a container and a long caravan, after police received a tip-off.

The police had attempted to negotiate with Freeman for a peaceful surrender before he was shot. Victoria Police Commissioner Mike Bush confirmed that Freeman was believed to be armed and that he had refused to surrender. No police officers were injured during the operation, which ended a lengthy period of searching for the fugitive. The police are now investigating the sequence of events leading to the shooting and how Freeman managed to evade capture for so long, including potential assistance from others.\The search for Freeman began on August 26, 2025, after he fatally shot Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson, 59, and Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart, 34, and injured a third officer at Porepunkah. The recent police operation was based on a tip-off from an individual close to Freeman. Aerial images revealed that the property where he was located was off-grid, featuring structures resembling shipping containers and several disused vehicles. The police stated that the shooting was justified, and the families of the fallen officers were immediately notified of the outcome. Commissioner Bush emphasized the importance of bringing closure to the tragic events of August 26 and acknowledged the relentless efforts of the investigators who pursued every possible lead. Police Association Victoria secretary Wayne Gatt expressed that the shooting represented a step forward for the force and a testament to the dedication of the officers involved. He highlighted the courage and bravery of the fallen members and the officers who relentlessly pursued the outcome for the community.\Commissioner Bush said that the police will be talking to anyone living in the wider area to gather more information. He also stated that there were still unanswered questions about Freeman's movements between Porepunkah and the location where he was found. The investigation will also focus on identifying any individuals who may have assisted Freeman in evading capture. Commissioner Bush emphasized the importance of holding any accomplices accountable. The police expressed their determination to bring closure to the tragic events and to ensure that justice is served. The operation brought a sense of relief to the community, which had been shaken by the initial shootings and the subsequent search for the fugitive. The police force is now focused on understanding the full scope of Freeman's actions and the circumstances that allowed him to remain at large for an extended period. The entire force is remembering the courage and sacrifice of the officers who lost their lives

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Dezi Freeman Police Shooting Victoria Police Manhunt Porepunkah

 

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