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The seven-month manhunt for one of Australia’s most-wanted fugitives, Desmond Freeman, ended on Monday.
Victoria Police confirmed that the 56-year-old was fatally shot during an operation at a property in the state’s northeast.
Freeman had been on the run since August 2025, following a violent encounter in the village of Porepunkah that resulted in the deaths of two police officers.
The initial incident occurred when officers executed a search warrant at Freeman’s home, involving members of the sexual offences and child investigation squad.
Freeman, a known member of the “sovereign citizen” movement, a group that rejects the legitimacy of government laws, opened fire on the team.
The attack killed 59-year-old Detective Neal Thompson and 35-year-old Senior Constable Vadim De Waart, while a third officer sustained leg injuries.
Following the shooting, Freeman fled into the rugged, dense bushland of regional Victoria, sparking one of the largest and most resource-intensive searches in Australian history.
For over half a year, tactical teams pursued him through difficult terrain until Monday’s final confrontation.
The conclusion of the operation brings an end to a case that has deeply affected the Australian law enforcement community and the public.
