How Cop Killer 'Dezi Freeman' Became Australia’s Most Wanted Fugitive

In August 2025, two Victoria Police officers were shot and killed while executing a search warrant at a regional Victorian property linked to Desmond Filby, also known as Dezi Freeman. A third officer was injured, and Filby vanished into the bush, triggering a seven-month manhunt that gripped the nation.

The case began with a child abuse investigation and ended in March 2026, when police found Filby hiding in a shipping container and shot him dead after he threatened officers with a stolen police gun.

In this episode, we unpack the tragedy, the investigation, and the dramatic final chapter of one of Australia’s most confronting police operations.

LINKS

Watch Dezi Freeman: The Hunt on 7Plus here. and listen here. 

If you’re experiencing family and domestic violence, Safe Steps provides immediate and confidential assistance. Find out more here. 

If any of the contents in this episode have caused distress, know that there is help available via Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.

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CREDITS 

Guest: Cassie Zervos

Host: Gemma Bath 

Senior Producer: Tahli Blackman

Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy

Video Editor: Julian Rosario

Audio Engineer: Tegan Sadler

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