Dezi Freeman Shot Dead: Stun Grenades and Stolen Police Gun in Dramatic Final Standoff After Seven-Month Manhunt

Accused cop killer Dezi Freeman, wanted for the cold-blooded murder of two Victorian police officers, was fatally shot by elite Special Operations Group officers near Walwa on Monday morning following hours of tense negotiations.

Victoria Police have confirmed that Dezi Freeman, the 56-year-old fugitive accused of murdering two officers in Porepunkah last August, was shot dead by police at a rural property near Walwa in north-east Victoria around 8:30am today.

theguardian.com

Who is Dezi Freeman and what did he do? What to know about the Australian fugitive shot dead by Victoria police | Porepunkah shooting | The Guardian

The dramatic end to one of the state’s largest manhunts came after a tip-off led officers to the remote location. Members of the elite Special Operations Group (SOG), supported by negotiators, surrounded the property and engaged in several hours of negotiations in an attempt to convince Freeman to surrender peacefully.

According to emerging details, police deployed stun grenades (flash bangs) to disorient the fugitive as tensions escalated. Freeman, who had been on the run for 216 days, suddenly dropped a blanket he was wrapped in — revealing a stolen police handgun — and opened fire on officers.

seattletimes.com

Seattle police continue to use ‘flash-bang’ grenades during protests, despite recommendations | The Seattle Times

SOG members returned fire in a swift and decisive response. Freeman was fatally wounded at the scene. No police officers were injured during the confrontation.

The incident marks the violent conclusion to a saga that began on 26 August 2025, when Freeman allegedly ambushed police at his Porepunkah property during the execution of a search warrant linked to a child sex abuse investigation. Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart-Hottart were shot dead, while a third officer was seriously injured. Freeman allegedly stole weapons from the fallen officers before fleeing into dense bushland around Mount Buffalo National Park.

reuters.com

Australian police hunt gunman who shot dead two officers in rural town | Reuters

For seven months, Freeman — a self-proclaimed sovereign citizen with a history of anti-police rants — evaded capture despite extensive searches, a $1 million reward, and multiple renewed operations involving specialist police units, drones, and ground teams. Police had previously expressed a “strong possibility” that he had died in the bush earlier in the hunt, but today’s events confirmed he had survived and resurfaced.

heraldsun.com.au

New wheels, extra firepower for cops | Herald Sun

Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner confirmed the operation was intelligence-led and emphasised that officers acted to protect public safety. “Negotiators gave every opportunity for a peaceful resolution,” he told media at the scene. “Tragically, the suspect chose confrontation.”

The rural property near Walwa, surrounded by rugged hills and bushland, became the final stage for the standoff. Aerial images show the isolated setting typical of the high country where Freeman had been hiding.

realestate.com.au

8680 Murray River Rd, Walwa, Vic 3709 – Other for Sale – realestate.com.au

The shooting has reignited debate over police tactics in high-risk operations involving armed fugitives, while also bringing a measure of closure to the families of the slain officers and the broader policing community.

Tributes have already begun pouring in for Thompson and De Waart-Hottart, remembered as dedicated local officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. A large-scale investigation into the full circumstances of today’s fatal shooting will now be conducted by an independent oversight body.

Freeman’s death ends Australia’s most high-profile manhunt of recent years but leaves many questions unanswered, including how he obtained the stolen police firearm and whether he received any assistance while on the run.

All eyes now turn to the official inquest and coronial findings that will examine both the original Porepunkah ambush and today’s fatal confrontation.

Key Timeline:

26 August 2025: Freeman allegedly kills two officers and wounds a third in Porepunkah.
August 2025 – March 2026: Massive manhunt across Victoria’s high country.
30 March 2026: Freeman shot dead near Walwa after standoff with SOG.