Dezi Freeman’s body: Victoria Police won't reveal if cop killer’s remains have been released to family

Cop killer Dezi Freeman was shot dead in a standoff with police, but Victorian Police are refusing to answer a key question about his body.

Freeman, the man who fatally shot two Victorian cops and injured a third during a police operation into historic child sexual claims, died on March 30 after seven months on the run.

Det-Sen. Const. Neal Thompson and Sen. Const. Vadim De Waart-Hottart were later identified as the two officers killed.

After an enormous police operation, the cop-killer was found after a reported tip-off living inside a shipping container on a rural property.

Victoria’s Police Commissioner Mike Bush told media after the fugitive was killed that the stand-off had been filmed on police cameras and that he had reviewed the footage.

In the standoff, police gave Freeman the opportunity to surrender, Mr Bush revealed, adding that the stand-off was hours long.

However, he didn’t and reportedly came towards police covered in a blanket concealing what was believed to be a weapon.

Freeman was reportedly shot at least 20 times.

His body was taken by police as part of the formal identification process.

On Tuesday, Victoria Police refused to answer whether Freeman’s body had been returned to his family or not.

“This information is not provided to media,” a spokesperson told The Nightly.

A body is usually kept for around five to seven days, however, can be kept longer if it relates to a complex investigation.

The Coroner will usually release a body for cremation or burial as soon as possible after necessary medical examinations are completed according to the Coroners Court of Victoria.

Freeman’s family were vocal in the aftermath of his death.

While police, Porepunkah residents and the broader community expressed relief that the seven-month manhunt for Freeman was finally over, Koah Freeman said his family was grieving.

“I am not here to defend my father’s actions because I know what he did was wrong,” the 21-year-old wrote in an emotional Facebook post hours after his father’s death.

“What I’m here about however is seeing so called ‘friends’ and people who I thought were nice people say some questionable things.

“I hope you all realise that I am looking at everything you are saying, and that you all realise how that is making me feel. I know you people all have thoughts to share about the situation that has been happening.

“Just bear in mind that to you’s (sic) my father was a cop killer, but to me that’s still my father who raised me to be the man I am today. And for the people who know me well they know exactly what I’m talking about.

“This is news that I’ll be grieving about while some of you disgusting humans celebrate online for me to watch.”

Freeman’s sister, who has chosen not to be publicly identified, told the Herald Sun that she was “ashamed and angry” at her brother’s actions.

“I am ashamed and angry that my brother was capable of murdering two human beings who were just doing their job,” she said, adding that her parents “would have been horrified if they were still alive to witness the tragic events of the past seven months.”

How Dezi Freeman was found

Specialist police moved in on the container shortly after 5.30am on March 30 after a reported tip-off, which may have related to a police reward.

Officers deployed flash bangs and smoke grenades before eventually ramming the structure with a Bearcat armoured vehicle.

The remote property, scattered with shipping containers, abandoned vehicles, caravans and tarpaulins, showed signs of off-grid living, including solar panels and makeshift facilities.

Photos of the crime scene later emerged showing the fugitive’s junk-filled hideout.

The remote property, scattered with shipping containers, abandoned vehicles, caravans and tarpaulins, showed signs of off-grid living, including solar panels and makeshift facilities.

Investigators are now working to determine how Freeman managed to evade capture for so long and whether he received help while on the run.

“We’re very keen to learn who, if any, but I’m sure some, actually assisted him getting away from Porepunkah to where he was located,” Mr Bush said.

Two people have been arrested in relation to Freeman’s time on the run.

“The man and woman were arrested about 7am on 4 April at two properties in north east Victoria,” Victorian police said in a statement.

“They will now be interviewed by police.

“The investigation remains ongoing and as such, we are not in a position to provide further details at this immediate time.”