Australian authorities shot dead fugitive Desmond Freeman, ending a seven-month nationwide manhunt. Freeman, 56, had been on the run since August 2025, when he ambushed and killed two police officers during a raid on his rural property in Victoria.
Police tracked Freeman to a remote property near the New South Wales border. After a standoff, officers fired when he refused to surrender. Authorities believe Freeman survived in hiding with possible local support due to his anti-government views.
Freeman was considered armed and dangerous. At its peak, the operation involved 450 officers, making it one of Australia’s largest manhunts. A AU$1 million reward had been offered for information leading to his capture.
The slain officers were identified as Detective Neal Thompson, 59, and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart, 35. A third officer was wounded in the attack.