For 216 days, Dezi Freeman evaded one of Australia's largest manhunts, hiding in Victoria's rugged high country. He was finally tracked to a remote property near the Murray River, where he was shot dead in a confrontation with Special Operations police this week. The makeshift camp, located on a property near Walwa, has yielded several intriguing clues about his time on the run.
Among the most notable findings are side-by-side chairs placed under a tarp at the entrance of a shipping container that served as his hideout. This arrangement has raised suspicions that Freeman may have had an accomplice or visitors during his months in hiding. The camp also featured a fully equipped outdoor kitchen with a stove, sink, gas bottles, and cooking utensils, as well as a wood-burning stove loaded with kindling.
Fishing nets and rods were found scattered around the site, consistent with Freeman's reputation as a skilled survivalist and fisherman. The nearby Murray River likely provided a reliable food source, helping him sustain himself in isolation. Solar panels were also present, suggesting he had access to off-grid electricity for lighting and charging devices, indicating a more sophisticated survival plan than a basic bush camp.
Several vehicles on the property are of interest to investigators, as Freeman was known for his mechanical skills and may have repaired one using parts from another. An upturned boat was also found, though it appears to have bullet holes from the final standoff. Police continue to investigate whether anyone assisted Freeman during his 216-day evasion.
