Dezi Freeman: Manhunt Ends in Fatal Shooting

Dezi Freeman, the fugitive wanted in connection with the fatal shooting of two police officers in Victoria, Australia, was shot and killed by police on Monday, March 30, 2026, following a three-hour standoff. The incident occurred at a rural property near Thologolong, in Victoria’s north-east, approximately 150 kilometers from the site of the original shootings at Porepunkah.

The Hunt for Dezi Freeman

Police had been searching for Freeman since August 2025, after he allegedly shot and killed two police officers, Neal Thompson and Vadim de Waart, during a search of his property related to sex offense investigations. Freeman evaded capture for seven months, hiding in dense bushland.

The Standoff and Shooting

On Monday morning, police surrounded a structure described as a cross between a shipping container and a long caravan, where Freeman was hiding. A standoff began around 5:30 am local time, with police repeatedly urging Freeman to surrender peacefully. Around 8:30 am, Freeman emerged from the container and was fatally shot by police.

Police Account of the Incident

Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush stated that Freeman was “given every opportunity to resolve [the situation] peacefully, but did not do so.” Bush indicated that officers acted appropriately and that footage showed Freeman pointing a firearm at police as he exited the container. No officers were injured during the operation.

Freeman’s Background and Beliefs

Dezi Freeman, 56, was known as a conspiracy theorist. The motive behind the initial shooting of the two police officers remains under investigation, but his beliefs may have played a role.

Aftermath and Investigation

Formal identification of the body is still underway, but authorities believe the deceased is Dezi Freeman. The police shooting will be investigated, as is standard procedure. The families of the slain officers were informed of Freeman’s death before the public announcement. Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan stated, “Today, an evil man is dead. It’s over.”