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. and listen 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.

New Mamamia subscribers get $40 off — $20 off an annual membership and $20 off your TWOOBS order. Click here to subscribe.
Already a subscriber? Click here for your $20 TWOOBS discount code.
T&C's apply.

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.

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.&nbsp;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&rsquo;s most confronting police operations.
LINKS
Watch Dezi Freeman: The Hunt on 7Plus&nbsp;<a href="https://7plus.com.au/dezi-freeman-the-hunt">here. </a>and listen <a href="https://play.listnr.com/podcast/secrets-we-keep">here.</a>&nbsp;
If you&rsquo;re experiencing family and domestic violence, Safe Steps provides immediate and confidential assistance. Find out more <a href="https://safesteps.org.au/contact/">here</a>.&nbsp;
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&nbsp;<a href="tel:1300 22 4636">1300 22 4636</a>.
New Mamamia subscribers get $40 off &mdash; $20 off an annual membership and $20 off your TWOOBS order. <a href="https://www.mamamia.com.au/twoobs-discount-code/?utm_source=shownotes&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=discounts&amp;utm_content=twoobs-ron">Click here to subscribe</a>. Already a subscriber? <a href="https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscriber-hub/exclusive-offers/">Click here for your $20 TWOOBS discount code</a>. T&amp;C's apply.
GET IN TOUCH
Follow us on Instagram and TikTok&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/truecrimeconversations/?hl=en">@truecrimeconversations</a>
Want us to cover a case on the podcast? Email us at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:truecrime@mamamia.com.au">truecrime@mamamia.com.au</a>&nbsp;or <a href="https://help.mamamia.com.au/en-US/send-a-podcast-voice-note-467960">send us a voice note.</a>
Make sure to leave us a rating and review on Apple &amp; Spotify to let us know how you're liking the episodes.&nbsp;
CREDITS&nbsp;
Guest: Cassie Zervos
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0533976/"></a>Host: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemmabath/?originalSubdomain=au">Gemma Bath</a>&nbsp;
Senior Producer: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/tahli-blackman-205a891b7/?originalSubdomain=au">Tahli Blackman</a>
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.

True Crime Conversations explores the world's most notorious crimes by speaking to the people who know the most about them. Hosted by Gemma Bath.

True Crime Conversations explores the world's most notorious crimes by speaking to the people who know the most about them. Hosted by Gemma Bath.

True Crime Conversations

How Cop Killer 'Dezi Freeman' Became Australia’s Most Wanted Fugitive

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/3ea926be-9be7-482a-8ac3-a44f016e43d1/clips/fc31150b-e10e-4717-9dc3-b450006a357c/transcript