Fugitive accused of killing 2 Australian police officers is shot dead after 7-month manhunt

March 30, 2026

TL;DR

Desmond Freeman, wanted for killing two Australian police officers, was shot by police after a seven-month manhunt.
Freeman fled into bushland in August after shooting officers Neal Thompson and Vadim De Waart in Victoria state.
Police tracked Freeman to a remote property in rural Victoria, where he was shot after refusing to surrender.
Police Commissioner Mike Bush stated the shooting was justified.
Freeman was described as a conspiracy theorist and member of the 'sovereign citizen' movement.
The manhunt was one of the largest and most resourced in Australian history.
A reward of AU$1 million was offered for information leading to his capture.
A third officer was wounded during the initial raid on Freeman's home.

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