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Australian police say a man they believe to be Desmond “Dezi” Freeman was shot dead during a three-hour standoff at a remote property in Thologolong, Victoria, on Monday (March 30–31, 2026), ending a 216‑day manhunt.
Freeman, 56, is suspected of fatally shooting two officers and wounding a third at Porepunkah on August 26, 2025.
Victoria Police Special Operations Group officers confronted the fugitive in a converted shipping container or caravan on Murray River Road after receiving a tip-off; police say he emerged wrapped in a blanket carrying a pistol believed to be a service weapon from one of the slain officers.
No officers were injured in the operation.
A formal identification, forensic examinations and an independent inquiry including the coroner are under way.
Authorities are also investigating whether others assisted Freeman during his months on the run; the rural property’s owner, reported to be Richard Sutherland, has said he was away in Tasmania.
Victoria Police had offered a A$1 million reward during the extensive search operation.
🔗 Based On
Australia Home | Mail OnlineRevealed: The truth about the remote compound where Dezi Freeman made his last stand in a shootout with cops
Sydney Morning Herald - Latest NewsOwner of property where Dezi Freeman died goes to police
ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)What we know about where Dezi Freeman made his last stand







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