Detectives probe major possible clue in Dezi Freeman’s hide-out
Police are investigating a potentially important lead into how Dezi Freeman managed to evade police in a shipping container during the harsh summer months in Victoria’s north-west before her death.
The fugitive was reportedly shot more than 20 times by police at Thologolong on the Victoria-NSW border about 8.30am on Monday, ending a seven-month manhunt for the double cop killer.
Officers from the Special Operations Group (SOG) swarmed a white shipping container at around 5.30am on Monday morning, starting a tense three-hour standoff with Freeman, who refused to surrender despite negotiations with police.
SOG officers then used the BearCat “claw” to launch stun grenades into the shipping container to entice the fugitive.
Police said Freeman was wrapped only in a blanket and holding a gun he stole from one of the officers he killed in August.
A source told the Herald Sun he was shot more than 20 times and ended up looking like “Swiss cheese”.
Police are now trying to determine how long Freeman remained in the hideout before he was captured and died.
Detectives combed the scene to determine whether Freeman had help or was being sheltered by someone throughout the seven-month manhunt.
Anyone found to have aided Freeman could face up to 20 years in prison.
In the images taken from the scene, many shipping containers, vehicles, overturned boats and trucks are surrounded by garbage, sun loungers and kitchen utensils.
The back of the shipping container was opened, revealing the conditions Freeman was experiencing while in hiding.
The roof appears to have rotating air ducts that may have been used to keep Freeman cool while hiding from the public during the hot summer months.
As part of the investigation, detectives will have to work backwards to determine who purchased the vents and helped place them in the shipping containers.
A ladder was propped up on the side of the shipping container, near the air conditioning vents.
Detectives are investigating whether Freeman was alone throughout the seven-month saga or had help hiding from police.
Outside the shipping container is a green awning with foldable tables and chairs.
A portable barbecue and plates lying nearby may indicate that Freeman was with others before he died.
Victoria Police Chief Superintendent Mike Bush said it was likely Freeman had help getting from Porepunkah to the Murray River Rd residence.
“It would have been very difficult for him to get to where he is without help,” Mr. Bush said.
“We will speak to anyone we suspect may have helped them avoid detection and arrest.”
Mr Bush said Freeman was the only person present when he was found and killed on the rural property, but he believed others may have helped him escape or harbored him.
“It’s very important for us to understand how long he’s been here and who else was complicit in bringing him here and then taking care of him or providing him with food and other things up to this point,” Mr. Bush said.
“We will speak to anyone we suspect of assisting him to avoid detection and arrest.”
