Police are probing who purchased air vents for the storage container where Dezi Freeman was hiding out. Photo / 7News
Images from the crime scene show a slew of shipping containers, vehicles, overturned boats and trucks surrounded by rubbish, deck chairs and cooking utensils.
The back of the shipping container has been swung open, revealing the conditions Freeman lived in while in hiding.
On the roof appear to be spinning air ducts, which may have been used to keep Freeman cool during the hot summer months while hiding from the public and police.
As part of the investigation, detectives will have to work backwards to determine who purchased the vents and helped install them in the shipping containers.
A ladder was propped up beside the shipping container in the vicinity of the air-conditioning vents.
Air vents on top of the shipping containers where Freeman was found. Photo / 7News
Detectives are investigating whether Freeman was alone or had assistance in hiding from the police during the seven-month saga.
Outside the shipping container is a green awning with fold-out tables and chairs.
A portable barbecue and plates sitting nearby may indicate Freeman was with others before his death.
The Herald Sun exclusively reports Freeman’s sister is “ashamed and angry” at her brother’s act and initially believed he took his own life.
She told the outlet she is “embarrassed”.
“We never asked for any of this, just like Neal and Vadim and their families, colleagues and friends.
“Dez has wreaked havoc and evil to so many, and for what?
“None of his violent actions make sense.”
Police said Freeman was wrapped in nothing but a blanket and holding a gun he stole from one of the officers he killed in August.
He was shot more than 20 times and ended up looking like “Swiss cheese”, a source told the Herald Sun.
Police are now working to determine how long Freeman had been in the hiding place before his eventual capture and death.
Detectives have been combing through the scene to determine if Freeman had any assistance or was harboured by someone throughout the seven-month manhunt.
Anyone found to have assisted Freeman may face up to 20 years in prison.
Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush said it was more than likely Freeman had assistance in getting from Porepunkah to the Murray River Rd residence.
“It would be very difficult for him to get where he was without assistance,” Bush said.
“We will be speaking to anyone we suspect has assisted him in avoiding detection and arrest.”
Bush said Freeman was the only person at the rural property when he was found and killed, but he believed others may have helped him escape or harboured him.
“[It is] very important for us to understand how long he’s been here and who else was complicit in getting him here and then caring for him or providing him with food and other things to this point,” Bush said.
“We will be speaking to anyone we suspect has assisted him to avoid detection and arrest.”
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