Former Homicide Detective Questions Survival of Alleged Cop Killer
A former Victoria Police homicide detective has expressed serious doubts about the survival of alleged cop killer Dezi Freeman, stating it is highly unlikely he remains alive if he stayed in the bush following the fatal shooting incident at his property. The shooting tragically resulted in the deaths of two police officers and left another wounded.
Major Search Operation Underway in Victoria's High Country
Police have initiated a fresh five-day search operation in Victoria's rugged high country, commencing on Monday. The operation involves the deployment of more than 100 officers and volunteers, including specialist search and rescue teams, advanced drones, and a specially trained cadaver dog. This marks the most significant redeployment of resources since the intensive manhunt was scaled back last year.
The search is concentrated in the Mount Buffalo National Park area near Porepunkah. Investigators are focusing on intelligence linked to a gunshot reportedly heard approximately one hour after the original shooting incident. This critical piece of evidence has become the central focus of the renewed search efforts.
Detective Outlines Two Prevailing Theories
Speaking on a national morning television program, former homicide detective Charlie Bezzina outlined that investigators are likely working with two remaining theories regarding Freeman's fate. The first theory suggests Freeman may have escaped the area with assistance from other sovereign citizens believed to be operating in the region. The second theory posits that he perished in the bush.
To survive five months, highly unlikely, I would imagine, Bezzina stated emphatically. I can't see him being held up in the bush and surviving. He elaborated that if Freeman had remained in the bush without external assistance, survival after such an extended period would be improbable.
Suicide Considered Unlikely Given Sovereign Citizen Beliefs
Bezzina further indicated he does not believe Freeman committed suicide, with growing speculation that another individual in the area may have facilitated his escape. I don't believe he's committed suicide, the former detective explained. I think given the fact that he's a sovereign citizen, he would have come out in a blaze of glory. I can't see him taking his life by his own hand.
Challenges in Locating Remains if Death Occurred
The former detective issued a sobering warning about the extreme difficulties investigators would face if Freeman did indeed die in the bush. Locating any remains would be tremendously challenging due to wildlife activity dispersing bodily remains.
Once someone perishes in the bush above ground, the animals will do the rest and disperse the remains, Bezzina cautioned. In my experience, with persons that succumb to the elements and die in bush, you've got feral cats, you've got the foxes out there. They decimate the remains and spread it out all over the place.
He explained that investigators might be fortunate to find a skull, but bones and other remains would likely be scattered across a wide area, making recovery exceptionally difficult. Considering these factors, Bezzina suggested the case could potentially remain unsolved if Freeman died in the wilderness. It could be a mystery forever and a day, he concluded.
Substantial Reward Remains Available
A substantial reward of one million dollars continues to be offered for information leading to the whereabouts of Dezi Freeman. This significant financial incentive underscores the ongoing determination of authorities to resolve this high-profile case.
The renewed search operation represents a concerted effort by Victoria Police to bring closure to a tragic incident that has deeply affected the law enforcement community and the wider public.
