Fugitive gunman Dezi Freeman shot dead by police after seven months on the run.
Accused cop killer and fugitive Dezi Freeman has been shot dead by police in Victoria.
The gunman had been missing in bushland for about seven months when he was shot by police at a property in the state’s north-east today.
Victoria Police confirmed a man was fatally shot at a rural address in Walwa, north-east of Porepunkah and on the border with NSW, just before 8.30am.
No police officers were injured.
“The State Coroner will attend the scene and the investigation that will be oversighted by Professional Standards Command, as per standard process for a police shooting,” police said in a statement.
Police admitted he knew more about the bushland than they did and could survive for weeks.
Later, they said they believed he had died.
Associate Professor of Criminology Xanthe Weston said Freeman possibly could have been helped by supporters.
“Potentially, somebody was helping him,” she told Today.
“He retained very strong links to the community. I am not surprised he has been located quite close [to Porepunkah].”
The Police Association Victoria said today’s news represents a “step forward” in overcoming the tragedy in Porepunkah.
“Our members said they would find him. They did,” a spokesperson said in a statement.
“Closure isn’t the right word. This represents a step forward for our members, for the families of our fallen members and for the community.
“It doesn’t lessen the trauma, give back the futures that were callously stolen or lessen the collective fear and grief that this tragic event has instilled in police and the wider public.
“Today, we won’t reflect on the loss of a coward. We will remember the courage and bravery of our fallen members and every officer that has doggedly pursued this outcome for the community.”