UPDATE: Authorities have confirmed that Dezi Freeman, Australia’s most wanted man, is strongly believed to be deceased as police intensify their search efforts in the dense high country of Porepunkah. This urgent operation began on February 1, 2026 and involves over 400 police officers, cadaver dogs, and specialist teams scouring the area for his remains.
The renewed search follows a harrowing five-month manhunt for the 56-year-old fugitive, who is implicated in the fatal shootings of two police officers, Neal Thompson and Vadim de Waart-Hottart. The officers were tragically killed while serving a warrant at Freeman’s residence in late August last year. Detective Inspector Adam Tilley stated, “We don’t believe that he is still in the area alive,” emphasizing investigators’ conviction that Freeman may be deceased in the national park.
Freeman was last spotted fleeing into the bushland shortly after the tragic incident, and despite extensive searches immediately following the events, no traces of him were found. The police have since shifted their focus to locating his body, with current efforts combining drone surveillance and the expertise of cadaver dogs.
Detective Tilley revealed that police are considering three scenarios regarding Freeman’s fate: he may be deceased in the national park, he could be being harbored by others, or he might have escaped the area alone. “Finding Freeman is our number one priority,” Tilley asserted, highlighting the ongoing commitment of law enforcement to resolve this case for the families of the fallen officers and the community.
The police have offered a staggering $1 million reward, the largest in the state’s history, for information leading to Freeman’s capture. This unprecedented incentive reflects the urgency and seriousness of the situation. Victoria Police Commissioner Mike Bush has vowed that investigators will not relent until Freeman is found.
In a chilling reminder of the impact on the community, Marcus Warner, president of the Bright and District Chamber of Commerce, expressed that residents were startled by the news of renewed search efforts. The local area has seen an influx of people, with accommodations and cafes bustling with visitors as the search unfolds.
Freeman’s wife, Mali, and their 15-year-old son were briefly arrested but released without charges. This has added another layer of tension to an already fraught situation, as the family grapples with the aftermath of Freeman’s actions and the ongoing manhunt.
As this evolving story continues, the community remains on edge. Authorities emphasize that public tips are crucial for the search, and the police remain hopeful for closure for the families affected by this tragic event.
Stay tuned for more updates as the situation develops.
