Dezi Freeman Timeline of Events
c. 1969–1970
Born (exact date not publicly confirmed).
Later lived in Victoria’s north-east region, including Porepunkah.
Early 2000s
Reportedly on a disability pension and struggled to maintain employment.
2018
Appeared on A Current Affair regarding a dispute with neighbours, claiming harassment.
2019
Attempted to “arrest” a magistrate in Wangaratta during a dispute over access to Mount Buffalo National Park.
2019–2020
Increasing online activity promoting anti-government and “sovereign citizen” beliefs.
December 2020
Posted "conspiracy claims" online about authorities harming people through injections.
2021
Attempted to have then-Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews charged with treason and fraud.
Arrested during a protest outside Myrtleford Magistrates’ Court.
2024
Appeared in court claiming “malicious prosecution” after a traffic stop incident.
Refused a drug test and drove away.
Firearms licence cancelled and gun club membership revoked.
2025 – Lead-up to Shootings
August 26, 2025 – Porepunkah shootings
Police attend Freeman’s property to execute a search warrant linked to historical sexual offence investigations.
Around 10:30am:
Two Victoria Police officers are shot and killed.
A third officer is seriously injured.
He tries to shoot a fourth officer, however the gun jams.
Freeman flees into dense bushland behind the property.
August 26–27, 2025
Major manhunt begins.
Residents warned to stay indoors; Freeman considered armed and dangerous.
September 2025
Search intensifies across north-east Victoria.
Public appeals and media coverage increase.
Travel restrictions later lifted but warnings remain.
October 2025
Taskforce established to lead search operations.
Expanded search areas including Benalla region.
December 2025
Targeted search in Mount Buffalo National Park using cadaver dogs and specialist equipment.
No trace of Freeman found.
2026 – Final Phase
February 2, 2026
Police state they “strongly believe” Freeman may be dead.
Second targeted search conducted.
March 30, 2026 – Death
Police locate Freeman near the Victoria–NSW border (Walwa area).
He is found hiding in a shipping container after a public tip-off.
Three-hour stand-off occurs.
Freeman is shot dead by police after refusing to surrender and allegedly firing at officers.
Post-Death Developments
March–May 2026
Confirmed he evaded police for 216 days, one of the largest manhunts in Victoria Police history.
Investigations reveal:
He had been living off-grid in a modified shipping container.
A coronial inquest is scheduled to examine:
His death
The deaths of the two officers
The police operation overall
