How A Cop Killer Became Australia’s Most Wanted Fugitive

In August 2025, two Victoria Police officers were shot and killed while executing a search warrant at a regional Victorian property linked to Desmond Filby, also known as Dezi Freeman. A third officer was injured, and Filby vanished into the bush, triggering a seven-month manhunt that gripped the nation. The case began with a child abuse investigation and ended in March 2026, when police found Filby hiding in a shipping container and shot him dead after he threatened officers with a stolen police gun. In this episode, we unpack the tragedy, the investigation, and the dramatic final chapter of one of Australia’s most confronting police operations. LINKS Watch Dezi Freeman: The Hunt on 7Plus here. If you’re experiencing family and domestic violence, Safe Steps provides immediate and confidential assistance. Find out more here.  If any of the contents in this episode have caused distress, know that there is help available via Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636. GET IN TOUCH Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @truecrimeconversations Want us to cover a case on the podcast? Email us at truecrime@mamamia.com.au or send us a voice note. Make sure to leave us a rating and review on Apple & Spotify to let us know how you're liking the episodes.  CREDITS  Guest: Cassie Zervos Host: Gemma Bath  Senior Producer: Tahli Blackman Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy Video Editor: Julian Rosario Audio Engineer: Tegan Sadler Mamamia acknowledges the traditional owners of the land on which we have recorded this podcast.Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.