Victoria Police have confirmed their search for alleged police killer Dezi Freeman has now shifted to a grim hunt for a body. The specialist taskforce assigned to find the 56-year-old fugitive conducted a targeted, five-day operation in Mount Buffalo National Park this past week, specifically looking for evidence or human remains.
From Manhunt to Recovery Mission
The focus of the investigation changed after an extensive four-month manhunt failed to locate Freeman, who also uses the name Desmond Filby. Freeman has been on the run since August 26, when he allegedly shot and killed two police officers and seriously injured a third in the quiet town of Porepunkah, located approximately 300 kilometres northeast of Melbourne.
The officers, Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart, were serving a warrant on Freeman at the time of the attack. Police allege Freeman also attempted to kill a fourth officer by pointing his gun and pulling the trigger, but the firearm fortunately failed to discharge.
Intensive Search Yields No New Signs
Over the past five days, police resources meticulously conducted line searches and cleared caves within the rugged terrain of Mount Buffalo National Park, an area close to Freeman's home where he was believed to have fled. This follows a previous search of the same park on September 12.
Despite these efforts, there was no sign of the fugitive. Authorities have now processed over 1950 separate pieces of intelligence, including numerous tips from the public, since the deadly shooting occurred.
Unwavering Commitment to Find Resolution
Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Martin O'Brien stated the force remains utterly committed to resolving the case, even after months without a sighting. A $1 million reward for information leading to Freeman's arrest remains in place.
"We will continue to conduct targeted searches such as this one based on intelligence," Assistant Commissioner O'Brien said. "We will maintain a presence in the community, and we are determined we will see this to resolution."
The search operation has drawn on hundreds of officers and specialist resources from across Victoria, other Australian jurisdictions, and even New Zealand. Police continue to urge anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to contact Crime Stoppers immediately.
