A quiet afternoon in the rural Victorian town of Porepunkah was shattered by a tragic shooting incident on Sunday, leaving one woman dead and a man fighting for his life in hospital.
Emergency services were called to a property on Pioneer Road just after 3:20pm following reports of gunshots. Upon arrival, police discovered two victims with serious gunshot wounds.
The woman, identified by local media as 42-year-old Dezi Freeman, was pronounced dead at the scene despite the efforts of paramedics. A man, believed to be known to the victim, was airlifted to Royal Melbourne Hospital where he remains in a critical condition.
Police Investigation Underway
Victoria Police have confirmed they are treating the shooting as a targeted incident and are not looking for any other suspects at this time. Detective Inspector Mark Butterworth stated that the investigation is in its early stages but assured the public there is no ongoing threat to the community.
"This appears to be an isolated incident between people known to each other," Inspector Butterworth told reporters at the scene. "We believe there is no ongoing risk to the wider public."
Community in Shock
The tight-knit community of Porepunkah, located approximately 280 kilometres northeast of Melbourne near Bright, has been left reeling by the violence. Neighbours expressed shock and disbelief at the tragedy unfolding in their normally peaceful area.
One local resident described the area as "typically quiet and family-oriented," making the incident particularly shocking for the small community known for its picturesque setting near the Alpine National Park.
Forensic officers remained at the property overnight as investigations continue. Police have established a crime scene that will be examined thoroughly in the coming days.
Anyone with information about the incident or who may have witnessed suspicious activity in the Pioneer Road area on Sunday afternoon is urged to contact Crime Stoppers or local authorities.
