URGENT UPDATE: Police have escalated their search efforts to locate the body of alleged police killer Dezi Freeman, following the tragic deaths of two police officers during a warrant execution on August 26. Freeman, also known as Desmond Filby, is on the run after allegedly shooting officers Neal Thompson and Vadim de Waart-Hottart in Porepunkah, approximately 300 km northeast of Melbourne.
In a critical development today, police have deployed specialized resources—including dog squads, NSW cadaver dogs, and drone units—for an intensive search of Mount Buffalo National Park. Assistant Commissioner Martin O’Brien confirmed that the focus has shifted from capturing Freeman to finding his body, as extensive searches over the past five days have yielded no trace of him.
The search effort has involved over 400 officers, who have meticulously combed through dense bushland and challenging terrain. Despite previous searches in the park, this latest initiative aims to identify and recover Freeman’s remains. Authorities have reported investigating more than 1,950 pieces of intelligence, including tips from the public.
“The devastating loss of Neal and Vadim has struck at the heart of Victoria Police,” O’Brien stated. Detective Senior Constable Thompson, aged 59, was just a week from retirement, while Senior Constable de Waart-Hottart, aged 34, was on a temporary assignment in the area. Their deaths have left a profound impact on both the police force and the local community.
As the search continues, residents are urged to remain vigilant and to avoid approaching Freeman, who is considered armed and dangerous. In an unprecedented move, Victoria Police has announced a reward of $1 million—the largest in the state’s history—for information leading to Freeman’s capture or remains, alongside a possibility of indemnity.
“We will maintain a presence in the community, and we are determined we will see this to resolution,” O’Brien reassured the public, affirming the police’s commitment to utilizing every available resource to resolve this tragic situation.
The park has since reopened to the public, but police patrols will remain active as the search persists. This developing story has captured national attention, and updates are expected as authorities continue their extensive efforts.
Stay tuned for more updates on this urgent situation.
