Dezi Freeman shot dead near Porepunkah after six months on the run

by Rachel Morgan News Editor

Dezi Freeman, who was on the run for over six months following the fatal shooting of two police officers, has been shot and killed by police in a rural property near Porepunkah, Victoria on Monday morning.

Details of the Incident

Police confirmed the death of a man following an operation to locate Freeman. The incident occurred around 8:30 am, according to three police sources. No police officers were injured during the operation.

Authorities had received information suggesting Freeman was hiding in a container on a property. The investigation into the shooting will be overseen by Professional Standards Command, standard procedure in police-involved fatalities.

Did You Understand? Dezi Freeman was also known as Desmond Filby.

Freeman had been at large since August 26, 2025, when Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart, 35, and Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson, 59, were killed at a property in Porepunkah.

Expert Insight: The prolonged manhunt for Freeman placed a significant strain on regional Victoria’s police resources and generated considerable public concern. His death brings a conclusion to this chapter, though the investigation into the initial shooting and the subsequent pursuit will likely continue.

Despite extensive searches, including the use of cadaver dogs, Freeman remained elusive for over six months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Dezi Freeman?

Dezi Freeman, also known as Desmond Filby, was the alleged shooter in the deaths of two police officers in Porepunkah on August 26, 2025.

Where did the shooting capture place?

The shooting occurred at a rural property near Porepunkah in north-east Victoria.

Were any police officers injured in the final confrontation?

No, police confirmed that no officers were injured during the incident on Monday morning.

The circumstances surrounding Freeman’s death are still under investigation. What impact will this event have on the community and the ongoing discussion surrounding police safety?

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