Victorian police say they strongly believe fugitive Dezi Freeman is dead as a major new search begins in a remote section of Mount Buffalo National Park. More than 100 police officers and specialist volunteers today launched a five-day search operation in Victoria's north-east, focusing on rugged terrain including caves, abandoned mine shafts and waterways within the alpine park.
Victorian police say they strongly believe fugitive Dezi Freeman is dead as a major new search begins in a remote section of Mount Buffalo National Park.
More than 100 police officers and specialist volunteers today launched a five-day search operation in Victoria's north-east, focusing on rugged terrain including caves, abandoned mine shafts and waterways within the alpine park.
The renewed search comes five months after two police officers were shot dead while executing a warrant at Freeman's rural property in Porepunkah.
Victoria Police Detective Inspector Adam Tilley said investigators now hold a strong belief that Freeman did not survive after fleeing into the bushland.
"Caves, mines and rivers in this area have been thoroughly examined, and there is no evidence to suggest Mr Freeman is alive," Detective Inspector Tilley said.
"This will not finish. This will continue. We hope to have answers this week, but if we don't, this remains the number-one priority for Victoria Police."
Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart were fatally shot on August 26 while attending Freeman's Rayner Track property in relation to alleged historical sexual offences. A third officer was seriously injured during the incident.
Police allege Freeman fled into dense bushland behind the property shortly after the shooting.
The current operation is based on information from a witness who reported hearing a gunshot at 12:29pm on the day of the attack - around two hours after officers were shot. Police say that information has since been corroborated, with firearms testing conducted on three occasions in the area near Rayner Track.
A similar five-day search was carried out in December, but investigators paused further operations due to extreme heat and bushfire risks. A NSW Police cadaver dog will be deployed during this week's search.
Despite extensive efforts, there has been no confirmed sighting of Freeman since August. Investigators say three possibilities remain: that he is dead, being sheltered by others, or has managed to escape the area and survive alone.
In October, Victoria Police established Taskforce Summit in the Great Alpine region to coordinate the manhunt. The taskforce draws on resources from Crime Command, the Fugitive Squad, Armed Crime Squad, VIPER Taskforce, Special Operations Group, Search and Rescue Squad and drone specialists.
A $1 million reward - the largest arrest reward ever offered in Victoria - remains in place for information leading to Freeman's arrest.
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