Porepunkah, Australia — The sister of a police officer slain in a shootout last year criticized the alleged gunman, stating that death would be “too good” for him, as authorities continue their search for the fugitive now feared dead in the wilderness. Lois Kirk shared her feelings about the suspected shooter, Dezi Freeman, in a recent interview, emphasizing her frustrations and emotions following the tragic loss of her brother, Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson.
Police have announced a renewed effort to locate Freeman, expressing concerns that he may have succumbed to the elements in Mount Buffalo National Park. Despite extensive searches that have involved hundreds of officers, specialized equipment, and cadaver dogs, there has been no sign of the 56-year-old suspect since he vanished into the bushland.
The tragic events unfolded in August 2025 when officers executed a warrant related to historical sexual offenses at Freeman’s property. Senior Constable Thompson, nearing retirement with a nearly four-decade career in law enforcement, and his colleague, Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart, were fatally shot during the confrontation. A third officer was also injured in the encounter.
Kirk recounted the devastating moment she learned about the shooting, describing how her sister received the heartbreaking news before coming to her workplace to deliver the news. The intense media coverage surrounding the manhunt for Freeman was overwhelming, but Kirk indicated that her family has grown accustomed to the scrutiny.
Throughout this challenging period, Kirk noted that the family has received considerable support from Thompson’s fellow officers. “We’re pretty tough. We don’t show a lot of emotion,” she remarked, recognizing the solidarity her family has experienced since the tragedy.
During Thompson’s funeral, held in September, he was remembered as not only a dedicated officer but also as a loving partner to his girlfriend, who is also in law enforcement. Kirk painted a picture of her brother as an adventurer who cherished the outdoors and was esteemed for his bravery and commitment to his duty.
As the days pass without any sign of Freeman, police have stated there is currently no evidence suggesting he is alive. More than 100 officers, along with volunteers, are engaged in a five-day search in the national park, hoping to gather new information. Authorities are offering a reward of $1 million for any actionable leads about Freeman, marking it as the highest reward for an arrest in Victoria’s history.
The aftermath of this incident has left a lasting impact on the community and the police force, as tributes continue to pour in for both Thompson and de Waart-Hottart. Their sacrifices serve as a reminder of the inherent dangers faced by law enforcement personnel in the line of duty.