Police investigating the tragic deaths of two officers have made a significant development, revealing they now believe accused cop killer Dezi Freeman could be dead. Detectives stated there is currently no evidence to suggest Freeman remains alive following the alleged deadly attack on police in August.
Gunshot Reports Focus Investigation
The investigation has intensified around reports from locals who heard a single gunshot approximately 90 minutes to two hours after Freeman's alleged attack on police. This crucial information has become central to the ongoing inquiry as authorities piece together the events of that fateful day.
Criminal Psychologist Weighs In
Criminal psychologist Tim Watson-Munro told Sunrise on Tuesday that he was not surprised by detectives' assessment. "There's been no sighting of Freeman. I think it's quite plausible, against the backdrop of the gunshot being heard, that he may have run into the bushes, realised the gravity of what had occurred and decided to end his life," Watson-Munro explained.
However, the psychologist cautioned that other possibilities cannot be completely ruled out. "That said, you couldn't totally rule out the fact that he's still alive and has left the jurisdiction, or he's still being protected by people. But I think on the balance of probabilities, it's more likely that he is deceased," Watson-Munro added.
Timing of Information Questioned
Watson-Munro expressed uncertainty about whether the gunshot information was only recently reported to police, stating he would be "disappointed" if authorities had been withholding this information from the public. "I would have thought that if they were across this information, the public would have been informed by now," he said, while acknowledging the excellent work Victorian Police typically perform.
The psychologist suggested several reasons why this information might have only recently emerged, including the possibility that local residents may have been initially reluctant to assist with the investigation. "Australians would like to know what's happened to this man, dead or alive," Watson-Munro emphasized.
Massive Search Operation Continues
Police are maintaining an open mind as the investigation progresses, refusing to rule out any possibilities. A comprehensive five-day operation is currently underway, with cadaver dogs meticulously searching a 1.3 square kilometre area in the dense bushland of Mount Buffalo National Park near Porepunkah.
Extensive Evidence Collected
Investigators have now gathered over 2,000 pieces of information related to the alleged attack that claimed the lives of two police officers and left another wounded. This substantial collection of evidence represents one of the most extensive investigations in recent Victorian police history.
The search operation represents a significant commitment of resources as authorities work to determine Freeman's fate and bring closure to the families of the fallen officers and the broader community affected by this tragedy.
