Coronial inquest into Porepunkah police shootings set to begin
The coronial inquest into the Porepunkah police shootings is set to begin today in the Coroners Court of Victoria. The hearings will examine the deaths of two police officers, Vadim De Waart-Hottart and Neal Thompson, as well as Dezi Freeman, who was shot by police following a standoff. The coroner will outline the structure of the inquests and assign investigators during these initial directions hearings.
- ▪The inquest will focus on the deaths of Senior Constable Vadim De Waart-Hottart and Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson.
- ▪Both officers were killed while serving a warrant for historical sex offenses in Porepunkah on August 26, 2025.
- ▪Dezi Freeman, who was involved in the incident, was shot and killed by police after a standoff on March 30, 2026.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Coronial inquest hearing into Porepunkah police shooting and Dezi Freeman death set to beginBy Ashlee AldridgeABC Goulburn MurrayTopic:PoliceMon 25 May 2026 at 5:59amMon 25 May 2026 at 5:59amMon 25 May 2026 at 5:59amThe hearing in the Coroners Court of Victoria will examine the deaths of slain Victoria Police officers Vadim De Waart-Hottart and Neal Thompson. (Supplied: Police Veterans Victoria)In short:The Coroners Court of Victoria will commence directions hearings into the Porepunkah police shootings today.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at ABC News (Australia).