Police ‘strongly’ believe fugitive Dezi Freeman is dead as new Mount Buffalo search begins

Victoria Police have launched a major search in the high country around Mount Buffalo for fugitive Dezi Freeman, saying on Monday they strongly believe he is dead. Freeman fled into bushland after he allegedly shot dead two officers in Porepunkah on 26 August, and police say there has been no proof of life since.

Less than two hours after the shootings, police said a single gunshot was heard at 12.29pm on 26 August near where Freeman was last seen; that report was later corroborated by investigators and has informed the new search. Detective Inspector Adam Tilley said: "We are comfortable that we don't believe he is here alive, however we are keeping an open mind." He added: "We do believe strongly that he is in this area, deceased." Tilley said police were exploring three scenarios: Freeman died near Mount Buffalo by self-harm or misadventure; he escaped the area and is being harboured; or he escaped the area and has survived without help.

Police conducted firearms testing in the region late last year to better understand where the shot may have been fired and to inform where officers should search this week. The five-day search that began on Monday involves drones and cadaver dogs and is expected to cover more than 1.3 square kilometres of exceptionally rugged terrain.

Tilley warned the area is "not going on a bush walk" and said "it is extremely challenging, it is thick, dense bush".

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