The final days of Dezi Freeman, the fugitive who shot dead two police officers in Victoria, Australia, have been laid bare after he was shot dead in a standoff. Freeman had been on the run for more than 200 days before police tracked him to an isolated 35-hectare property near Thologolong.
He was living in a ramshackle camp consisting of shipping containers and portable cabins, without running water or electricity. Police believe he could not have survived without external assistance. Chief Commissioner Mike Bush stated that it would be 'very difficult' for Freeman to have travelled the 100km across rugged terrain without help.
The standoff began in the pre-dawn hours after a full day of surveillance. Police urged Freeman to surrender peacefully, but he refused. The confrontation lasted three hours, during which Freeman emerged from his hideout cloaked in a blanket. He dropped it to reveal a weapon, believed to be the service weapon of one of the slain officers.
Multiple officers opened fire. It is not known if Freeman fired back. No police were injured. Bush confirmed he had seen video of the incident, stating that Freeman 'presented a firearm at our officers' and that 'every opportunity' was given for a peaceful resolution.
A coronial inquest and an investigation by Professional Standards will examine the shooting. Police are also investigating who may have aided Freeman during his time as a fugitive.
