Alleged killer Dezi Freeman’s extreme views existed for many years, family member says | 7.30

Desi Freeman Manhunt: A Detailed Summary

Key Concepts:

• Sovereign Citizen Ideology: Anti-government beliefs and rejection of legal authority.
• Mental Health & Anger: Unspecified mental health issues and a history of hidden anger and meltdowns.
• Historical Sexual Offenses: The nature of the warrant that police were executing.
• Manhunt: The ongoing search for Desi Freeman by Victoria Police.
• Bushcraft/Survival Skills: Freeman's knowledge and experience in the Australian bush.
• Mistrust of Authority: Freeman's deep-seated distrust of government, police, and potentially others.

1. Background and Initial Impressions:

• Luke Philby, Desi Freeman's nephew, describes his initial positive impression of his uncle as a "larger than life character" during his childhood.
• As Luke grew older, he noticed a change, describing Desi as having "mentally ill hidden anger" and an aversion to healthcare professionals diagnosing him.
• Desi Freeman was accused of opening fire on 10 police officers executing a warrant related to "historical sexual offenses" at a property in Port Punka.

2. The Port Punka Incident and its Aftermath:

• Senior Constable Vadim D'vor Hatar and Detective Leading Senior Constable Neil Thompson were killed at the scene. A third officer was injured.
• Luke Philby expresses the devastating impact of his uncle's actions on the victims' families, friends, and even his own family.
• Desi Freeman became the most wanted fugitive in the country.
• Luke's mother (Desi's sister) was deeply upset and shocked by the events.

3. Desi Freeman's Ideology and Beliefs:

• Desi Freeman held "anti-authority and sovereign citizen views," considering the police "filthy corrupt disgusting lawless predators."
• He lived in a bus on the property with his wife, Amalia.
• Family discussions often revolved around court hearings and gun laws, with Desi holding extreme views.
• His focus was not just on owning guns, but on challenging the laws themselves.

4. Forensic Psychiatrist Perspective:

• Forensic psychiatrist Andrew Aboud, who gave evidence at the inquest into the William Biller police shootings in Queensland, suggests that the police presence and the warrant would have created a "heightened state of fear" in Desi Freeman, leading to "acute anger."
• Aboud believes it's unlikely Desi "thought through his actions carefully."

5. The Manhunt and Investigation:

• Desi Freeman fled into the bushland after the shooting.
• Investigators have received over 1,400 pieces of information from the public, but there have been no confirmed sightings.
• Police believe any contact or evidence of him being alive would be a boost to the investigation.
• The search initially involved 450 police officers, now reduced to just over 200.
• Despite the lack of breakthroughs, former New South Wales Police Assistant Commissioner Carlen York doesn't see it as a police failure, emphasizing the risks officers take and Freeman's knowledge of the area.

6. Parallels to the Malcolm Nton Manhunt:

• Carlen York oversaw the final four months of the manhunt for double murderer Malcolm Nton, who was at large for over 6 years.
• York describes the "highs and lows" of a long manhunt, including false alarms and the challenges of searching the bush.
• He highlights the emotional toll on police, including "anticipation of catching him, distress at not finding him, worrying about the community."

7. Desi Freeman's Personal Life and Relationships:

• Luke Philby cut ties with his uncle in 2018, before the pandemic.
• Desi changed his last name from Philby to Freeman, possibly to "start a new life" and because he felt his family had "abandoned him."
• Luke describes Desi as uncompromising and having a "fuse" that was "pretty locked in."
• Ray Comp, an old bushwalking friend, kept a photo taken by Desi on his wall, reflecting a time when they were close.
• Ray mentored Desi in bushcraft around 20 years ago, recognizing him as a "bush man."
• Ray ended the friendship due to Desi's "fanatical ways."
• Desi went to the Philippines to find a partner, believing Australian women were too focused on money. This is where he met his wife, Amalia.

8. Current Status and Potential Scenarios:

• Desi Freeman's wife, Amalia, has been arrested and released as part of the investigation.
• Mount Buffalo National Park remains closed.
• Victoria Police is using every available resource, including a $1 million reward for information leading to his capture.
• There's speculation that he might be harbored by others, but it's considered unlikely due to his "fundamental mistrust of others."
• It's suggested that Desi is likely a "very lonely figure."
• Luke believes Desi wouldn't want the government to have the "satisfaction" of taking his life.

9. Recent Developments and Family Apology:

• News broke of a specialist police operation on a property near Banella, about an hour west of Port Punka.
• Police stated it was a planned operation and there was no immediate risk to the community.
• Luke Philby apologizes on behalf of his family, expressing horror at his uncle's actions and emphasizing his lifelong "love and respect for the police."
• He acknowledges the profound loss experienced by the police and the lasting impact of such a tragedy.

10. Synthesis/Conclusion:

The Desi Freeman case is a complex situation involving anti-government ideology, potential mental health issues, and a tragic act of violence against police officers. The manhunt continues, complicated by Freeman's bushcraft skills and deep-seated mistrust. The case highlights the devastating consequences of extremist beliefs and the lasting impact on the victims' families, the police force, and Freeman's own family. The investigation faces challenges due to the lack of confirmed sightings and the possibility that Freeman is isolated and avoiding contact with others.