Fresh Search for Dezi Freeman as Police Believe Fugitive Died Hours After Alleged Murders
Victoria police have initiated a fresh search for fugitive Dezi Freeman, stating they "believe strongly" that he died only hours after allegedly killing two officers in the town of Porepunkah last August. The search is focused on the state's high country, with authorities exploring multiple scenarios regarding Freeman's fate.
Three Possible Scenarios Under Investigation
The major search operation is examining three distinct possibilities:
- Freeman died near Mount Buffalo through self-harm or misadventure
- He escaped the area and is being harboured by associates
- He has escaped the area and has managed to survive without assistance
The first scenario has gained particular attention following reports of a gunshot heard at 12.29pm on the day of the shooting, near where Freeman was last sighted. This evidence has led investigators to consider that Freeman may have taken his own life shortly after the alleged murders.
Background to the Case
Dezi Freeman became the subject of an intensive manhunt after allegedly killing two police officers in Porepunkah last August. The incident shocked the local community and prompted one of Victoria's most extensive search operations in recent years. Police roadblocks were established throughout the region, including at Mt Buffalo Road, as authorities worked to contain the situation.
The search has continued intermittently since the initial incident, with police dedicating significant resources to locating Freeman or determining his ultimate fate. The current operation represents a renewed effort to bring closure to the case.
Police Methodology and Investigation
Victoria police have employed sophisticated investigative techniques throughout the search, including:
- Forensic analysis of the crime scene and surrounding areas
- Extensive interviews with witnesses and local residents
- Coordination with other law enforcement agencies
- Utilisation of specialised search teams familiar with the challenging terrain
The rugged high country environment has presented significant challenges for search teams, with dense bushland and difficult terrain complicating efforts to locate evidence or remains.
Community Impact and Ongoing Concerns
The case has had a profound impact on the local community, with residents expressing both concern for their safety and sympathy for the families of the slain officers. The uncertainty surrounding Freeman's whereabouts has created ongoing anxiety in the region, particularly among those living in remote areas.
Police have maintained regular communication with the community throughout the investigation, providing updates on search progress and safety recommendations. Authorities have emphasised that while they believe Freeman is deceased, they continue to treat all possibilities with equal seriousness until definitive evidence emerges.
The investigation remains active, with police committed to pursuing all leads and exploring every avenue to determine what happened to Dezi Freeman after the tragic events of last August.
