Fugitive Dezi Freeman Killed by Police After Seven-Month Manhunt

After a seven-month search, fugitive Dezi Freeman was shot and killed by police on Monday morning at a rural property near the Victoria-NSW border. Freeman had been on the run since August 26, 2025, following the fatal shooting of two police officers in Porepunkah, Victoria.

The incident occurred when police attempted to execute a search warrant at Freeman's property. During the operation, Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson, 59, and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart-Hottart, 35, were killed. Another officer was injured but survived. Freeman, a self-described 'sovereign citizen' known for his anti-government views, fled into the Mount Buffalo National Park, prompting one of the largest manhunts in Victoria Police history.

On March 30, 2026, acting on a tip-off, police located Freeman near the small township of Walwa, on the banks of the Murray River. The operation concluded with Freeman being shot dead by armed officers. No police personnel were injured during this operation.

The Police Association of Victoria acknowledged the development, stating, 'This represents a step forward for our members, for the families of our fallen members and for the community. It doesn't lessen the trauma, give back the futures that were callously stolen or lessen the collective fear and grief that this tragic event has instilled in police and the wider public.'

Local residents in Porepunkah and surrounding areas expressed relief at the conclusion of the manhunt. Scott Brandon, owner of the Bright Brewery, noted that the search had 'caused a lot of fear in the community' and impacted tourism. He added, 'While we've moved on as a community since then ... it still dominates discussions in the area.'