Accused police killer Dezi Freeman has once told his family he would “torture a cop for days and video it” in a chilling text message.
The self-proclaimed sovereign citizen, 56, allegedly shot dead two officers during a search warrant at his Porepunkah home in northeast Victoria before fleeing on foot into bushland with an arsenal of weapons on Tuesday.
A text exchange obtained by the Herald Sun between Freeman and a family member revealed the disturbing comments made before the alleged killings.
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“Like if I torture a cop for days and video it in 4K until justice is satisfied,” he wrote, though the context remains unclear.
Freeman has previously labelled police “Nazis” and “terrorist thugs” and once took legal action against an officer over his cancelled driver’s licence.
In one outburst, he was heard yelling: “You gutter rats are trying to hide the truth!”
Dezi Freeman was arrested during a protest at Myrtleford Magistrates Court, Victoria in 2021. Credit: 7NEWS
Dezi Freeman was arrested during a protest at Myrtleford Magistrates Court, Victoria in 2021. Credit: 7NEWS
His nephew, Luke Filby, told the Herald Sun Freeman’s obsession with conspiracy theories began in 2014 when he purchased a computer and gained access to the internet.
“He used to hate on people for being on the computer or the Nintendo during the ’90s,” Filby said.
“Once he got the internet, he was hooked on YouTube, gaining as much information as he could to get away from law enforcement.”
Another relative, who asked not to be named, said Freeman’s hatred extended beyond police.
“He hated women with as much venom as he hated police and authorities,” the family member said.
“He also hated healthcare workers, doctors, nurses, specialists, psychologists.
“He hated pharmaceutical companies and medicines and vaccines.
“None of the kids have birth certificates. He took Mali’s passport too so she couldn’t leave to go back to the Philippines.”
Senior Constable Vadim De Waart, 35, and Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson, 59, lost their lives after being shot by Freeman. Credit: Victoria Police
On Saturday, Freeman’s wife Amalia urged him to surrender and expressed sorrow for the slain officers.
“Please Dezi, if you see or hear this, call 000 and arrange a surrender plan with police,” she said in a statement, adding that she and her children “fully support” Victoria Police.
A total of 10 officers served a search warrant on the Porepunkah property when Freeman, dressed in military fatigue, allegedly sprung his deadly ambush.
Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson, 59, and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart, 35, were killed in the ambush.
A third officer was seriously injured.
Freeman fled on foot into bushland, sparking a large-scale manhunt.
Around 450 officers have since been deployed to the Porepunkah region.
Hundreds of Victorian police are involved in the continuing hunt for fugitive Dezi Freeman, 56. Credit: Simon Dallinger/AAP
The fugitive is a skilled bushcraft expert, making him difficult to track.
He is described as Caucasian and 183cm tall, with a medium build, short dark hair and brown eyes.
He was last seen wearing dark green (khaki) tracksuit pants, a dark green rain jacket, brown Blundstone boots, and reading glasses.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
Dezi Freeman remains on the run as of Sunday afternoon. Credit: Victoria Police
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