Australian Wife Urges Surrender of Husband Linked to Police Killings

The wife of an Australian man wanted in connection with the deaths of two police officers has publicly urged him to surrender to authorities. In a statement released to Australian media on March 10, 2024, Amalia Freeman called for her husband, Dezi Freeman, to turn himself in following a violent incident in the rural town of Porepunkah, located in northeastern Victoria.

Dezi Freeman, a 56-year-old suspect, fled into the surrounding bush after allegedly opening fire on a team of ten police officers dispatched to his home on March 5, 2024. During the confrontation, detective Neal Thompson, aged 59, and senior constable Vadim De Waart, aged 35, were killed. Another officer sustained injuries but is expected to recover.

In her statement, Amalia Freeman expressed her deep sorrow over the tragic loss of the officers’ lives. “We echo the requests of the Victoria Police for the swift and safe conclusion of this tragedy,” she stated. She indicated her support for the police in their ongoing search for her husband, emphasizing her willingness to cooperate fully with their efforts.

“Please Dezi, if you see or hear this, call 000 and arrange a surrender plan with the police,” she added, appealing directly to her husband. The couple has children, and Amalia noted that they share in the grief of the fallen officers.

As the search for Dezi Freeman continues, more than 450 officers have been deployed, reflecting the urgency of the situation. Authorities believe he possesses survival skills suited for the bush environment and is familiar with the area. Reports indicate that he may have affiliations with radical conspiracy theories and the “sovereign citizen” movement, which espouses the notion that laws do not apply to its members.

Amalia Freeman also clarified that she and her family respect the vital work performed by the Victoria Police and do not subscribe to anti-authority beliefs. She and her 15-year-old son were arrested on March 7, 2024, as part of the investigation but were released after questioning.

As this situation develops, the community remains on alert while law enforcement works diligently to bring about a peaceful resolution.