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Victoria Police Kill Suspect in Officers' Killings After Seven-Month Manhunt

Police leaders say the shooting appears justified pending forensic checks.

Overview

  • Desmond “Dezi” Freeman, 56, who was found Monday on a remote Thologolong property, refused to surrender during a multi-hour confrontation and was shot dead.
  • Police accuse him of killing two officers and wounding a third during an August search of his Porepunkah home before fleeing into dense bush.
  • The manhunt used up to 450 officers with helicopters, drones and dog teams, and police posted a A$1 million reward for information.
  • Chief Commissioner Mike Bush said officers gave him chances to give up and that firing appears justified, and forensic work is now confirming the body and cause of death.
  • Detectives are probing whether locals helped him stay hidden, with reports linking him to the anti-state “Sovereign Citizens” movement.