Dezi Freeman Investigation: Fugitive’s Death and Related Arrests
Victoria Police shot dead fugitive Dezi Freeman on Monday morning following a three-hour standoff at a rural property in Thologolong, in the state’s north-east.
The operation concluded shortly after 8:30 am on Monday, ending a seven-month manhunt for the 56-year-old man. According to Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush, the shooting occurred after Freeman emerged from a building—described as a hybrid between a shipping container and a long caravan—and pointed a firearm at officers.
Police had surrounded the property on Murray River Road, located on the border with New South Wales, beginning at approximately 5:30 am. Chief Commissioner Bush stated that tactical options were exhausted and the man was given every opportunity to resolve the situation peacefully before officers opened fire. No police officers were injured during the encounter.
Freeman had been the subject of one of the largest police operations in Australian history since August 2025, when he allegedly killed two police officers and injured a third. The initial shooting took place during the service of a search warrant at a property near Porepunkah in Victoria’s alpine region. Following that incident, Freeman vanished into bushland, prompting a search that included a $1 million reward for information and the processing of over 2,000 public leads.
Investigation and Associated Arrests
The death of Freeman has led to further police action involving his associates. Victoria Police have arrested two people as part of the broader investigation into the fugitive’s activities and the support he received whereas on the run. While some associates have been freed following these arrests, the investigation continues to examine the network that aided Freeman during his seven months in hiding.
The aftermath of the manhunt has too drawn personal reflections from Freeman’s family. His sister spoke publicly regarding the events, stating that their parents would have been horrified by the circumstances.
Institutional Review
Chief Commissioner Bush described the shooting as justified, asserting that officers acted appropriately based on the available footage and briefings. However, he noted that a formal identification process was required to officially confirm the identity of the deceased.
The incident is now subject to a formal review. The matter will be examined by the professional standards command and a coroner’s hearing has been scheduled to investigate the circumstances of the shooting.