Landowner Had No Knowledge Cop-Killer Was Camping on Remote Farm
The landowner of the sprawling rural property where double police murderer Dezi Freeman was gunned down by authorities had absolutely no idea the fugitive was camping on his land, with his family firmly refuting any suggestions of connections to so-called sovereign citizen movements.
Family Denies Any Links to Sovereign Citizen Groups
Neil Sutherland, speaking to media outlets on Tuesday, stated emphatically that his older brother Rick Sutherland was "not a cooker" and had been completely unaware that Freeman had holed up at his 35-hectare Tholo Farm property. "He's had no ties with that organisation, if that's what it is. None whatsoever," Neil Sutherland declared, directly addressing speculation about possible affiliations.
Despite Freeman being discovered on the family's land in the remote area near Thologolong, close to the New South Wales border, detectives had still not spoken to either Neil or Rick Sutherland by Tuesday about what they might have known regarding Freeman's presence there.
Property Listing Creates Confusion
The property, known as Tholo Farm, had been listed on Google with the slogan "Cookers Welcome" as recently as Monday, but Neil Sutherland explained this must have been changed recently. He clarified that the property was previously known as "Woofers," standing for "Willing Workers On Organic Farms."
"I know he used to have some of them come and work ... do his gardens and that kind of thing just for their keep," Neil added, describing the farm's previous arrangements with volunteer workers.
Seven-Month Manhunt Ends in Dramatic Standoff
Freeman was finally tracked down and shot dead by police following a tense three-hour standoff at the base of Mount Porcupine, ending a seven-month manhunt for the man who had gunned down Senior Constable Vadim De Waart-Hottart and Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson at his home in Porepunkah, approximately 180 kilometers away.
The fugitive had been camping in a converted shipping container within the remote compound when authorities located him. Neil Sutherland revealed that his 75-year-old brother Rick, a fisherman, had been in Tasmania visiting family since the start of the year and was still there at the time of the shooting, with plans to return after Easter.
Landowner "Totally Shocked" by Discovery
Rick Sutherland had been completely unaware anyone was on his land, according to his brother. When Neil rang to inform him about the police shooting on his property, Rick responded with astonishment. "He said, 'Oh, you're kidding.' He was totally shocked. No, he had no idea," Neil recounted.
Neil emphasized that his brother had "nothing to hide" and was keen to clear his name, though he might wait for Victoria Police to contact him rather than attempting to reach out himself. "I don't think he's heard from them at all," Neil said. "But I don't know, they might have a good reason for that."
Neighbour Describes Tense Morning Operation
Neil Sutherland, who lives on a neighbouring property, described waking before dawn on Monday morning to the sound of a helicopter doing tight circles about a kilometer away. "I thought there was something going on down at the Kennedy's Reserve, but it turned out it was on my brother's property," he said.
The retired cattle farmer initially wondered if it was a training exercise but grew increasingly concerned as the operation dragged on for three hours. "After three hours, I heard what I thought was a gunshot ... I think it was when they pierced the container to put a gas cylinder in," he recalled.
"I thought, well, it might be more serious than a training exercise. They wouldn't be wasting that much fuel these days." He learned the identity of the fugitive later that morning when a friend called after hearing the news on the radio.
Farm Primarily Used for Cattle and Wildlife
The property is primarily used for running cattle, with Rick Sutherland content to use much of the land as a haven for kangaroos and wildlife. The landowner had rented the property to a relative at times, with recent bushfires coming dangerously close to the property though the wind direction ultimately spared it from damage.
Neil Sutherland believes Freeman must have only recently appeared at the property and did not recall seeing any signs of life or activity there. "I'd like to think it would've only been a week or so," he said. "I couldn't imagine him being there that long without someone seeing him."
Reports of Possible Assistance Dismissed
Reports suggesting a Filipino couple might have assisted Freeman were also dismissed by Neil Sutherland, who stated he hadn't seen anyone matching that description since his brother left for Tasmania, apart from firefighters who had access while gates were open during the bushfire emergency.
While mystery still surrounds how Freeman traveled from Porepunkah to the remote farm property, Neil believes the fugitive could have made the journey independently without assistance. "Oh, yeah, it's possible," he said. "He's supposed to be some super bush craftsman, but you get up on top of these hills and it's actually quite easygoing, it's like flat."
"I can't imagine anyone who'd want to help him, but I certainly don't know anyone around here who sympathises," Neil added, addressing community concerns about possible local support for the fugitive.
Family Concerned About Property's Reputation
Neil Sutherland expressed concern about how the incident might reflect on his family and their property. "It probably doesn't look that good, us having hosted Dezi Freeman here, unknowingly, unwittingly," he acknowledged.
"Who would want a murderous person in their vicinity. Absolutely no thanks," he stated emphatically, making clear the family's position regarding the fugitive's presence on their land.
A fresh investigation is currently underway as authorities work to track down anyone who might have assisted Australia's most wanted fugitive during his seven months on the run from justice.
