Two directions hearings commenced today at the Coroners Court of Victoria, presided over by State Coroner Judge Liberty Sanger, to determine the structure and scope of inquests into the Porepunkah police shootings.
The first hearing examines the deaths of Senior Constable Vadmin de Waart-Hottart, 34, and Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson, 59. They were among ten police officers serving a warrant for historical sex offences at a rural property in Porepunkah when they were shot and killed on August 26, 2025.
A separate hearing later today will address matters relating to Dezi Freeman, 56, the shooter, who was killed by police after a three-hour stand-off on March 30 at a rural property in Thologolong, about 150 km from Porepunkah.
Procedural Matters
- Today's hearings are not expected to examine evidence but will establish the inquest process.
- Judge Sanger will confirm the Victoria Police member assigned as coronial investigator for each matter and set a timeline for delivery of key briefs of evidence.
- The coroner will review evidence before determining next steps and the overall scope of investigation.
- The start date for full inquests has not yet been announced.
Legal Context
The cases were referred to the Coroners Court following Freeman's death, as per standard procedure for reportable deaths in Victoria.