06/09/2025
Victoria Police is today announcing a reward of up to $1M for information leading to the arrest of Desmond Freeman following the murder of two police officers in Porepunkah last month.
Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart-Hottart were part of a group of police who attended a Rayner Track property on Tuesday, 26 August.
The officers were executing a search warrant as part of an investigation by the Wangaratta Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team.
They were confronted by Freeman at his property about 10.30am, resulting in the two officers being fatally shot.
A third officer was seriously injured after being shot in the lower body and is now recovering at home.
The investigation into the deaths of the two officers and the serious injuries to a third officer is being conducted by the Homicide Squad.
As part of the effort to locate Freeman and bring him into custody peacefully and safely, police are offering a reward of up to $1M for information on his whereabouts that leads to his arrest.
This reward represents the largest ever offered in Victoria for an arrest.
Over the past 12 days, a significant search has been undertaken by Victoria Police in an effort to locate Freeman, otherwise known as Desmond Filby.
A number of heavily armed police officers from across a range of specialist areas within Victoria Police continue to undertake a significant search for Freeman, assisted by personnel from a number of other agencies.
More than 450 police each day are dedicated to the search.
Freeman was last seen at his Porepunkah property on 26 August shortly after the fatal shooting.
At this time, police are unaware of Freeman’s current location and are appealing to members of the public who do have information about his whereabouts to come forward.
At this time, there is nothing to indicate that Freeman is being assisted by a specific person, however given the difficult terrain and the requirement for various supplies this remains a possibility.
Police are also open to the possibilities that he remains at large alone or is dead as a result of self-harm.
Freeman was last seen wearing dark green (khaki) tracksuit pants, dark green rain jacket, brown Blundstone boots and reading glasses.
Police believe Freeman remains armed and advise members of the public not to approach him.
We urge the public in and around the township of Porepunkah to remain vigilant and report any sightings or suspicious behaviour by calling Triple Zero (000).
Anyone with any information about Freeman’s whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
For the most current advice and updates relating to this search, visit our website https://www.police.vic.gov.au/porepunkah-shooting-and-search-desmond-freeman-filby
