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Dezi Freeman killed by police in Victoria's north-east after seven-month hunt

A man believed to be Desmond Freeman, 56, was fatally shot by police at a rural property in Thologolong, northeast Victoria, shortly after 8:30am on Monday following a stand-off of several hours.

A man believed to be Desmond Freeman, 56, was fatally shot by police at a rural property in Thologolong, northeast Victoria, shortly after 8:30am on Monday following a stand-off of several hours.

Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush said Freeman emerged from a structure resembling a shipping container armed with a firearm, stating: "I have seen video of the deceased leaving the building and presenting a firearm at our officers."

Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush said Freeman emerged from a structure resembling a shipping container armed with a firearm, stating: "I have seen video of the deceased leaving the building and presenting a firearm at our officers."

Freeman had been sought since Aug. 26, 2025, when Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart were fatally shot at a Porepunkah property. A third officer was seriously injured during the incident.

Freeman had been sought since Aug. 26, 2025, when Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart were fatally shot at a Porepunkah property. A third officer was seriously injured during the incident.

The manhunt involved more than 450 officers and was described by Commissioner Bush as the most considerable investment of police resources in Victoria's history. Police followed up more than 2,000 pieces of information during the 216-day search.

The manhunt involved more than 450 officers and was described by Commissioner Bush as the most considerable investment of police resources in Victoria's history. Police followed up more than 2,000 pieces of information during the 216-day search.

Victoria Police offered a AU$1 million reward — the largest ever in the state — for information leading to Freeman's arrest. It was not yet confirmed whether the reward would be paid following the tip-off that led to his location.

Victoria Police offered a AU$1 million reward — the largest ever in the state — for information leading to Freeman's arrest. It was not yet confirmed whether the reward would be paid following the tip-off that led to his location.

The Police Association Victoria said Freeman's death was "a step forward for our members, for the families of our fallen members and for the community." The state coroner attended the scene and Professional Standards Command will oversee the investigation.

The Police Association Victoria said Freeman's death was "a step forward for our members, for the families of our fallen members and for the community." The state coroner attended the scene and Professional Standards Command will oversee the investigation.

Cop Killer Freeman Shot Dead After 216-Day Manhunt

Cop Killer Freeman Shot Dead After 216-Day Manhunt

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Cop Killer Freeman Shot Dead After 216-Day Manhunt

Cop Killer Freeman Shot Dead After 216-Day Manhunt

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