Dezi Freeman Believed Dead in Victorian Bushland Search

Published: 02 February 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Police strongly believe that fugitive Dezi Freeman is unlikely to have survived following the suspected gunshot in the Victorian bushland. Authorities confirmed that the search for Freeman intensified near Mount Buffalo after he allegedly killed two officers in Porepunkah and fled into the dense terrain. The focus keyword Dezi Freeman appears here early, reinforcing the article’s core topic for SEO. Reports indicate no sign of Freeman’s survival since the tragic event on 26 August, when Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart were fatally shot.

Senior officers have suggested three possibilities regarding Freeman’s fate. The primary theory is that he died in the rugged bushland shortly after the shooting, either through misadventure or self-harm. A corroborated gunshot report on the afternoon of the incident supports this scenario. Alternatively, police are investigating whether Freeman managed to escape the area with or without assistance. Authorities remain cautious, stating that the search is ongoing and that every possibility is still considered.

Detective Inspector Adam Tilley, overseeing the operation, described the terrain as extremely challenging, noting that officers had to carefully navigate thick and dense bush. “It is not a simple bushwalk. The landscape is treacherous, and safety is paramount,” Tilley said. The ongoing five-day search encompasses over 1.3 square kilometres, utilizing drones, cadaver dogs, and extensive line searches, yet has so far yielded no evidence of Freeman’s presence or body.

Freeman’s confrontation with law enforcement began at his family home when police attempted to serve a warrant linked to alleged historical sexual offences. Following the shooting, authorities immediately commenced what is now described as one of Victoria’s largest manhunts. Local residents were urged to remain vigilant and not approach the fugitive if spotted, as he remains considered armed and highly dangerous.

The two slain officers held notable careers. Senior Constable Thompson, 59, was only a week away from retirement, while Senior Constable de Waart-Hottart, 34, was temporarily assigned to the area. A third officer was also wounded during the violent encounter. The loss has had a profound impact on the local police force and community, prompting expressions of grief and support from officials nationwide.

Investigators from Taskforce Summit, formed in October, have meticulously examined thousands of intelligence pieces, including multiple public tips. Firearms testing conducted late last year aimed to pinpoint potential firing locations and assist in the current search. Despite these efforts, no definitive proof of Freeman’s survival or death has been established. The public remains a critical part of ongoing efforts, with authorities offering a $1 million reward for credible information leading to his capture or discovery. This represents the largest reward in Victoria’s history for a police-related arrest.

The five-day operation demonstrates both the complexities of bushland searches and the commitment of law enforcement to resolve high-risk cases. Tilley emphasized that while the team strongly believes Freeman is deceased, the search strategy must remain comprehensive. Police have cleared caves and conducted systematic foot patrols, aiming to ensure no area is overlooked in this densely vegetated region. The presence of drones and cadaver dogs allows coverage of inaccessible areas, yet the combination of thick bush and rugged terrain continues to impede immediate results.

Community response has been mixed. Locals have expressed concern for their safety while also showing support for police efforts. Many residents have shared that the heavy bushland in the Victorian high country makes it almost impossible for a fugitive to remain undetected for long, especially one who may be injured or disoriented. Experts also note that extreme weather conditions and wildlife pose additional risks to anyone attempting to survive in this terrain without preparation.

Despite the lack of concrete evidence, police are not ruling out alternative outcomes entirely. Investigators remain open to the possibility that Freeman could have been aided or moved to a different location beyond Mount Buffalo. Still, senior officials reiterate that all indications suggest the fugitive is no longer alive in the search area. Every precaution continues to be taken to protect the public while ensuring officers’ safety as they carry out this unprecedented manhunt.

The case of Dezi Freeman highlights the dangers of law enforcement operations involving armed fugitives in remote areas. It also underscores the logistical challenges of coordinating large-scale searches in the Victorian bush, where terrain complexity and environmental hazards make operations slower and more resource-intensive. Taskforce Summit has committed to exhausting all avenues, demonstrating the highest level of diligence and community protection standards.

As the search continues, authorities are maintaining strict operational protocols. Any new intelligence is carefully assessed before deployment to ensure officer safety and maximize efficiency. The combination of aerial surveillance, canine units, and tactical ground teams represents a sophisticated approach to tracking high-risk suspects in difficult terrain. In the meantime, the $1 million reward remains a critical incentive for public cooperation, reflecting the seriousness with which Victoria Police are pursuing closure in this case.

While hope for finding Freeman alive diminishes, investigators stress that certainty requires evidence. Each day of search operations brings incremental insights, though the dense bushland complicates the verification of any leads. Police remain committed to completing a thorough investigation and providing answers to the families of the officers who lost their lives. The intense focus on this case has drawn national attention, illustrating the high stakes involved when dangerous fugitives confront law enforcement personnel.

The search for Dezi Freeman continues under the shadow of tragedy and uncertainty. Victorian authorities are determined to conclude the operation, either by confirming the fugitive’s death or recovering him safely. The extensive measures being undertaken, including aerial and ground operations, highlight the seriousness and scale of this unprecedented effort. The community remains vigilant, and public tips remain crucial to resolving the case. As winter conditions shift in the high country, the race against time and terrain continues to challenge police resources and strategy.

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