Double Cop-Killer Dezi Freeman Shot Dead in Police Standoff at Rural Hideout
Victoria Police Special Operations Group shot and killed double cop-killer Dezi Freeman on Monday morning following a tense three-hour standoff at a remote rural property. The elite specialist police crew tracked down the fugitive to his lair near Walwa, where he opened fire on officers using a pistol stolen from one of his victims.
Deadly Confrontation at Remote Farm
Freeman, 56, was hiding out on a Thologolong property approximately 188 kilometers northeast of Porepunkah when police located him at Tholo Farm. The property, which advertises "Cookers welcome" on Google, is owned by Rick Sutherland, who was on holiday in Tasmania at the time of the incident.
Neil Sutherland, Rick's brother who lives nearby, reported hearing a police helicopter arrive at the scene around 5am as the standoff began. "I heard a chopper turn up, doing tight circles, tight laps," Neil told the ABC. "I heard a shot but didn't really know what was going on."
The local farmer later described hearing police using megaphones to coax Freeman out of his hideout before a single gunshot rang out, signaling the fugitive's death. Interestingly, a mysterious campfire or bonfire had been spotted in the same paddock where Freeman was found approximately two months earlier.
Fugitive's Violent History
Freeman had been on the run since August 26 when he fatally shot Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson, 59, and Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart, 34, in Porepunkah. The officers were among a group of ten who had attended Freeman's property to serve a warrant regarding historical sex abuse allegations.
Following the shootings, Freeman fled into bushland near his Rayner Track property, sparking one of the largest manhunts in Victoria's history. Police deployed hundreds of officers to search steep, rocky terrain littered with caves and mineshafts, while more than 100 homes and properties were examined for potential accomplices.
Specialist Police Operation
A Thologolong local is believed to have spotted Freeman at his camp over the weekend and alerted authorities, prompting the rapid mobilization of a specialist squad. Police sealed off the immediate area around the converted shipping container and caravan where Freeman was hiding and maintained surveillance overnight.
Just before dawn on Monday, the Special Operations Group launched their raid, deploying flash-bang stun grenades to disorient Freeman as the standoff commenced. Despite being offered multiple opportunities to surrender peacefully, Freeman eventually opened fire on police using the pistol he had stolen from Detective Leading Senior Constable Thompson.
Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush confirmed that an elite team of "professionals" shot and killed Freeman after he refused to surrender. "There was an opportunity for him to surrender peacefully, which he did not," Commissioner Bush stated. "We strongly believe, yet to be confirmed, that he was armed."
Investigation and Aftermath
Commissioner Bush described the shooting as "justified" and confirmed that no police officers were injured during the incident. He acknowledged that it was "quite possible" Freeman fired bullets at the specialist police team that had swarmed the rural property to "conclude the investigation" as safely as possible.
The police chief revealed that the manhunt represented "probably the most significant investment of police resources in the state's history," with investigators following more than 2,000 leads. A reward of $1 million had been offered for information leading to Freeman's capture, though Commissioner Bush declined to comment on whether anyone would claim the bounty.
Police are now investigating whether anyone assisted Freeman during his time on the run. "I am sure some assisted him in getting away from Porepunkah to where he is located," Commissioner Bush said. "If anyone was complicit… they will be held to account."
Ongoing Inquiries
Authorities are examining how Freeman managed to travel so far without detection and how long he had been in the Porepunkah area. Commissioner Bush confirmed that police would interview everyone in the "environment" of the property boundary, though no one else was present in the immediate vicinity during the standoff.
Police will also speak to Freeman's family as part of their investigation. Earlier in the case, Freeman's wife Mali and a 15-year-old boy were arrested on allegations of obstructing police but were later released without charge.
Commissioner Bush emphasized that the operation's primary goal had been to apprehend Freeman and bring him in alive. "We don't have any role in how they react," he said regarding fugitives' responses to police appeals. "This brings closure to what was a tragic and terrible event."
The police chief described the operation as "a very diligent, professional" effort and confirmed he would visit the scene of Freeman's final stand. With crucial police resources now freed from the massive manhunt, authorities can redirect their attention to tackling other serious crimes plaguing the state.
