Wife of Suspected Cop Killer Dezi Freeman Cleared of Charges in Victoria Police Case
Victoria Police have confirmed that Mali Freeman, the 42-year-old wife of suspected double cop killer Dezi Freeman, will not face charges in connection with the fatal shooting of two police officers more than six months ago. The decision was announced on Friday, with authorities stating they have insufficient evidence to prosecute her and two other individuals over the deadly incident in Porepunkah, located in the Victorian High Country, on August 26.
Investigation Details and Legal Proceedings
Mali Freeman and a 56-year-old man from Porepunkah were interviewed by investigators from Taskforce Summit regarding the offence of indictable obstruction of police. A third person was questioned in relation to attempted theft. However, after a meticulous investigation, briefs of evidence prepared by experienced detectives were not authorised due to a lack of sufficient evidence to support a prosecution at this time.
A police spokesperson emphasised that any further information received will be thoroughly assessed, and charges may be pursued if new evidence emerges. The spokesperson added, 'We will not be commenting further on the specifics of this investigation.' A reward of up to $1 million remains in place for information leading to the arrest of Dezi Freeman, who has not been seen since he allegedly shot dead officers Vadim de Waart-Hottart and Neal Thompson during the execution of a search warrant on his property.
Ongoing Police Presence and Community Impact
Victoria Police have pledged to maintain an enhanced presence in the local Porepunkah and Mount Buffalo National Park areas. The alleged murders sparked a massive police hunt, with officers scouring bushland around Freeman's wilderness retreat near Mount Buffalo. Police have warned the public to phone triple zero immediately if they see Freeman and not to approach him.
In a related development, the Sloan family is suing Victoria Police after Jeremy Sloan was arrested at gunpoint and restrained with zip ties during the search for Freeman. The family claims psychological harm from the incident, which occurred on October 1, 2025, and involved up to 30 police cars, ambulances, and a helicopter at their property. They are seeking compensation through the Supreme Court of Victoria.
Dezi Freeman, a 56-year-old sovereign citizen, had a warrant served on him over historical sexual abuse allegations prior to the shooting. Authorities urge anyone with information on his location or suspicious activity in Mount Buffalo National Park to contact Crime Stoppers Victoria.
