Police suspect Dezi Freeman, who was shot dead after a three-hour standoff on Monday, may have received outside help during his 200 days on the run. The 35-hectare property near Thologolong where he was hiding had no running water or electricity, raising questions about how he survived.
Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush confirmed that no other person was at the site for at least 24 hours before the confrontation, but said it would be 'very difficult' for Freeman to have travelled from Porepunkah to Thologolong without assistance. 'We will track backwards from here to work out how long he’s been here, and who helped him to be here,' Bush stated.
Freeman, wanted for the murder of two police officers in August, was reportedly living in a camp made of shipping containers and portable dongas. Police acted on a tipoff received last week that he had been sighted near Walwa, east of the property.
During the standoff, Freeman emerged from his hideout cloaked in a blanket, which he dropped to reveal a weapon believed to be the service firearm of one of the slain officers. Multiple officers opened fire; it is unknown if Freeman fired back. No police were injured.
Bush said video evidence shows Freeman was given every opportunity to surrender peacefully but instead presented a firearm, leaving officers with no discretion. The coronial inquest and Professional Standards investigation are underway.
