A Seven-Month Manhunt Ends in a Fatal Confrontation
The search for Dezi Freeman, the suspect in the murders of two Victoria Police officers, concluded 216 days after it began when he was shot and killed by police in Thologolong on March 30, 2026. The case has now sparked multiple investigations and a planned negligence lawsuit against the police force.
The Initial Incident and Manhunt
On August 26, 2025, a team of ten police officers attended a property in Porepunkah, Victoria, to execute a search warrant for Dezi Freeman. The warrant was related to allegations of historical child sexual abuse.
During the warrant service, Freeman fatally shot Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson, 59, and Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart, 34. A third officer was seriously injured. Freeman then fled into the bushland of Mount Buffalo, initiating a large-scale tactical police operation, codenamed Taskforce Summit.
For 216 days, police conducted extensive searches across the alpine region, involving officers from multiple states and territories. A $1 million reward—the largest in Victoria's history—was offered for information leading to Freeman's arrest.
Confrontation and Death in Thologolong
Police received a tip-off that Freeman was hiding near the town of Walwa. Following surveillance, officers located him at a remote 35-hectare property on Murray River Road in Thologolong, approximately 150 kilometers northeast of the initial shooting.
Freeman was living in a rudimentary camp consisting of shipping containers and portable structures. The property owner, Richard Sutherland, who was living in Tasmania for health reasons, stated he was unaware Freeman was on his land. The property's gate had been left unlocked to allow fire service access following nearby bushfires.
The Victoria Police Special Operations Group (SOG) surrounded the site in the early hours of March 30. A three-hour negotiation ensued, during which police used non-lethal baton rounds and tear gas. Police stated that Freeman was given multiple opportunities to surrender.
"Freeman emerged from a shipping container wrapped in a blanket and pointed a firearm at officers." — Chief Commissioner Mike Bush
Up to eight SOG officers discharged their weapons. The firearm Freeman used was later confirmed to be a police-issued service pistol stolen from one of the officers killed in Porepunkah. Freeman was fatally shot. Formal identification was confirmed through forensic testing.
Investigation into Potential Accomplices
Police have stated their belief that Freeman could not have evaded capture for seven months without external assistance. The investigation into potential accomplices faces several obstacles.
Arrests and Charges
Two individuals, a man and a woman identified as associates of Freeman, were arrested on April 4 in northeast Victoria. They were interviewed and subsequently released without charge.
Evidentiary Challenges
Detectives are analyzing data from two mobile phones found at Freeman's encampment. Officers familiar with the evidence have indicated that while phone records can identify contacts, proving direct assistance rather than mere communication is difficult—especially if encrypted applications were used.
Previous Investigation
In a related development, Victoria Police were unable to proceed with obstruction charges against Freeman's wife, Amalia "Mali" Freeman, and a 56-year-old man from Porepunkah. The Office of Public Prosecutions and an independent barrister determined the evidence was insufficient to support a conviction.
Family's Legal Action
The sisters of Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson—Dianne Thompson and Lois Kirk—have announced their intention to file a negligence lawsuit against Victoria Police. Represented by lawyer Jeremy King, the legal action is expected to follow a coronial inquest.
The lawsuit reportedly centers on the decision not to deploy specialist tactical forces to execute the search warrant at Freeman's Porepunkah property on August 26, 2025.
The sisters have also raised multiple concerns about their treatment by the police force following their brother's death, including:
- Being notified of his death by telephone rather than in person
- A lack of updates on key developments, including Freeman's capture
- Feeling marginalized during funeral and memorial services
"We felt left in the dark, and marginalized at a time when we needed support the most." — The Thompson family's stated concerns
Victoria Police acknowledged the concerns raised by the sisters and confirmed that meetings have taken place. The force stated it has appointed liaison officers to provide updates and support. A spokesperson noted efforts to communicate with families while managing ongoing investigations.
Aftermath and Reactions
The conclusion of the manhunt has elicited a range of responses.
Official Statements
Chief Commissioner Bush stated that the shooting appeared justified based on available evidence. He affirmed that anyone found to have assisted Freeman would be held accountable. The incident is subject to a standard investigation by the Professional Standards Command and a coronial inquest.
Community Impact
Community reactions in the Porepunkah and Bright areas have been divided. Some residents expressed relief, while others—including those sharing anti-authority views—have voiced sympathy for Freeman.
Media Incident
In April, Victoria Police investigated a report of trespass at the Thologolong property after a YouTube channel posted a video filmed inside the shipping container. The property owner indicated he was considering legal action regarding the incident.
Multiple investigations remain ongoing as authorities continue to examine the full circumstances of the case.