UPDATE: The manhunt for accused fugitive killer Dezi Freeman, also known as Desmond Filby, is intensifying as police enter the fourth day of searching in Porepunkah, Victoria. Freeman is wanted for allegedly shooting and killing two police officers—Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson, aged 59, and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart, aged 35—during an operation related to child sex offenses.
Authorities are deploying every available resource, scouring mines, caves, and bushland as conditions worsen due to severe weather. Deputy Commissioner Regional Operations Russell Barrett stated, “That’s our purpose, and we will not rest until it occurs.” The search area, located 300 km northeast of Melbourne, is facing hazardous weather, including thunderstorms and potential snowfall at elevations above 600 m, predicted to impact search efforts throughout the day.
As police continue their search, they remain in contact with Freeman’s wife and are investigating local properties. Superintendent Brett Kahan emphasized the challenging terrain, stating, “It’s not something that we, even with our specialist resources, can move through quickly.”
In a plea to the public, authorities have urged anyone harboring Freeman to reconsider their actions or face serious consequences. Simultaneously, they’ve called on Freeman to surrender peacefully, offering support for a surrender plan. “Ring triple zero, and we will support a surrender plan. That option is absolutely open to him,” said Superintendent Kahan.
The fallen officers were honored with a guard of honor from flashing-light police cars as their bodies were transported to the Melbourne Coroners Court. Detective Thompson was just days away from retirement, while Senior Constable De Waart had a promising career ahead.
Local council services, including waste management, are affected by the ongoing manhunt, with the Alpine Shire Council announcing that the waste tip will remain closed until further notice.
Freeman, who possesses bush survival skills, was last seen wearing dark green tracksuit pants, a matching rain jacket, brown Blundstone boots, and reading glasses. He is believed to hold sovereign citizen beliefs, an ideology that rejects government authority and the rule of law.
As the situation evolves, authorities continue to ask the community to stay vigilant and report any sightings of Freeman immediately. The search remains active and urgent, with the safety of the community and law enforcement at stake.
