Police have released this image of Desmond Filby (also known as Desmond, or Dezi, Freeman). He is described as being Caucasian, 183cm tall, medium build, with short dark hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing dark green (khaki) tracksuit pants, dark green rain jacket, brown Blundstone boots and reading glasses.
Accused killer Dezi Freeman is still on the run, following the death of two police officers at his Porepunkah property on Tuesday, August 26.
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Mr Freeman, also known as Desmond Freeman and Desmond Filby, is alleged to have shot and killed Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart, as well as injuring a third officer.
That officer is a 56-year-old male detective leading senior constable, who remains in hospital after being shot in the lower body.
The search area includes Benalla Rural City, and the advice being offered by VicEmergency is for locals to remain vigilant.
On Monday, September 1 Victoria Police Superintendent Brett Kahan spoke to the media at Benalla Police Station.
“Last time I spoke in front of you, I appealed directly to Desi Freeman to ring 000, and then we could work towards a surrender plan with him,” Supt Kahan said.
“I’m going to change tack a little bit and read into this what you will.
The wider search area where police are looking for accused killer Dezi Freeman includes Benalla Rural City.
“I extend that invitation to anyone who’s harbouring Dezi Freeman, who’s considering harbouring Dezi Freeman, or knows I know something about the people that are harbouring Dezi Freeman.”
Supt Kahan said anyone doing this was committing an extremely serious crime.
“People know the whereabouts of the person who’s killed two cops,” he said.
“I’m taking this time to appeal to you to come forward.”
Supt Kahan said Victoria Police had set up a mobile police facility in Island St, Bright, and anyone with information could go there, or to any police station, to share information. Alternatively, that can be done via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
“Come forward, give us anonymous information, we will act on it,” Supt Kahan said.
“We are absolutely hunting for a fugitive, and we continue to do so.”
Supt Kahan said a large police presence remained in and around Porepunkah, not only in the search for Mr Freeman, but to offer reassurance to concerned communities.
On Thursday, August 28, Fugitive Squad detectives, along with Special Operations Group members, arrested a 42-year-old woman and 15-year-old boy.
They were interviewed and released pending further inquiries.
Police have urged the public in and around Porepunkah to remain vigilant and report any sightings or suspicious behaviour by calling 000.
Detectives from Crime Command, including the Homicide Squad and Fugitive Squad, continue to investigate the incident.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at crimestoppersvic.com.au
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