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Fugitive Freeman Likely Dead, Body Hunt Underway
2 Feb
Summary
- Police are searching for the body of Australia's most wanted man.
- The fugitive is suspected dead after a five-month manhunt.
- A $1 million reward is offered for information leading to his capture.
Australian authorities are intensifying their search for the remains of Dezi Freeman, the nation's most wanted fugitive, who is strongly believed to be dead. The intensive, multi-day search is currently focused on dense high country, employing cadaver dogs and specialist officers from across the country. This operation marks the latest effort in a five-month manhunt following the fatal shootings of two police officers, Neal Thompson and Vadim de Waart-Hottart, in late August.
Officers are pursuing three potential scenarios regarding Freeman's whereabouts: that he is deceased within the national park, that he escaped and is being harbored, or that he fled the area alone. However, police expressed confidence that Freeman is not alive in the region and are now prioritizing the discovery of his remains. The search is informed by intelligence, including a gunshot heard shortly after the officers' deaths.
Victoria Police have offered a record $1 million reward, along with potential indemnity, for information leading to Freeman's capture. Despite no confirmed sightings since the shootings, investigators remain committed to finding him to provide closure for the affected families and the community. Freeman is known for his elite bush survival skills, making his evasion challenging.
