The Hunt for Australia's Most Wanted Fugitive
Australian detectives are conducting welfare checks on individuals named in an alleged hit list compiled by wanted fugitive Dezi Freeman, three months after he vanished following the shooting deaths of two police officers.
Freeman, 56, whose real name is Desmond Filby, stands accused of murdering Sergeant Neal Thompson, 59, and Senior Constable Vadim de Waart, 35, during a confrontation in the Victorian High Country on August 26th.
Sinister Lists and Anti-Authority Networks
Investigators have confirmed Freeman maintained detailed records containing names and home addresses of people he considered enemies. The list includes not only police officers but also ordinary citizens including neighbours and locals with whom Freeman had minor disputes.
One target who confirmed their inclusion on the list described it as "extensive" and covering individuals living several kilometres from Freeman's property outside Porepunkah.
Victoria Police have obtained a copy of the list and deployed detectives to verify the safety of those named, though authorities remain tight-lipped about specifics during the ongoing investigation.
The Daily Mail has chosen not to publish the identities of those on Freeman's list while the alleged killer remains at large.
Australia's Largest Manhunt Continues
The search for Freeman has become Australia's most extensive police operation, involving more than 450 officers including special operations teams and interstate reinforcements. Despite scouring rugged terrain for three months, not a single trace of Freeman has been found.
Freeman's background reveals deep anti-government and anti-police sentiments. He was part of a 30-strong anti-authority network called Truth and Justice that met secretly at his rural property for years.
Social media posts from the group reveal disturbing discussions about "naming and shaming" officers they labelled "police thugs" from Myrtleford station. Members compiled detailed lists containing officers' names, ranks and even email addresses.
Freeman was initially sought by police for historic sex offences when eight officers attempted to serve a warrant at his converted bus. The situation escalated dramatically when Freeman allegedly shot both officers, stole their weapons and disappeared into the bush.
Conflicting Theories About Freeman's Fate
Freeman's eldest son, Koah, 20, has publicly distanced himself from his father's actions and expressed belief that his father is dead. However, he acknowledged Freeman's exceptional survival skills, comparing his capabilities to "Rambo but ten times' capacity."
"He could survive for weeks without food," Koah told media, painting a picture of a man supremely equipped for wilderness survival.
Contrasting theories about Freeman's current status have emerged. His brother, James 'Jimmy' Filby, took to social media last month declaring he believed Freeman was dead somewhere on Mount Buffalo, hoping he was "now at peace."
However, criminal psychologist Tim Watson-Munro suggests Freeman's narcissistic personality makes suicide unlikely. "This is a bloke who thinks he's above it all," Watson-Munro told The Australian, keeping open the possibility that Freeman remains alive.
Police have investigated more than 1,700 pieces of intelligence, including numerous public tips, but acknowledge they're no closer to determining Freeman's fate. The $1 million reward for information leading to his arrest remains unclaimed.
Freeman's wife, Mali, 42, has disappeared from public view with the couple's young child, while Koah has ceased further commentary citing legal and police advice.
As the manhunt enters its fourth month, Victorian communities remain on edge, with police assuring the public they're "leaving no stone unturned" in their pursuit of answers about one of Australia's most wanted fugitives.
