Who is Mali Freeman? The Wife of Cop Killer Dezi Freeman

Victoria, Australia is still in shock after the deadly Porepunkah shooting that killed two police officers. As the manhunt for Dezi Freeman enters its second day, attention has also turned to his wife, Mali Freeman.

Mali, a mother of three, has been married to Dezi for more than 20 years. Friends say she is terrified her husband will not surrender and may cause more deaths, including his own.

Mali Freeman’s Life and Fears

Mali is described by close friends as a loving mother who has lived in fear of her husband’s growing anger and radical beliefs.

Police first feared she and her children might have been taken hostage after Tuesday’s ambush. But they were later found safe at a local station.

“She has three children, including a young baby,” one friend told reporters. “She is beside herself with worry and knows Dezi won’t go down without a fight.”

Although Mali once shared some of his views, such as opposing vaccinations and homeschooling their kids, she never supported his violent actions.

From Music Teacher to Isolation

Mali was once a popular music teacher in her small community. She taught children to play the ukulele, sang at Christmas events, and performed in local bands. She also volunteered at bushfire relief BBQs and charity fundraisers.

But around 2020, her music began to change. Her songs reflected loneliness and sadness. She wrote about people who felt “isolated, depressed, and helpless.” Friends now believe her lyrics mirrored her own struggles at home.

By 2023, after giving birth to her third child, Mali withdrew from public life. She stopped playing in pubs, paused her free music lessons, and updated her Facebook to say “Music with Mali is on hold until further notice.”

Living With a Radical Husband

Friends say Mali supported Dezi in some disputes, including homeschooling issues and arguments with local councils. But his anti-police views grew stronger and more extreme over the years.

• In 2020, Dezi was charged with speeding, refusing a drug test, and using his phone while driving.

• In 2021, he tried to make a “citizen’s arrest” of a magistrate and had a public clash with police. Mali was caught in the scuffle and left bruised.

• In 2023, Mali gave birth to their third child. Since then, she rarely appeared in public.

Friends say she became increasingly isolated and trapped. “She was devastated and lost many friends,” one said. “People worried about her, but no one felt safe enough to intervene.”

What Happens Next

Mali is now living with fear as police continue their desperate search for her husband. Freeman is believed to be hiding in the rugged bushland about 300km northeast of Melbourne.

Authorities warn he is heavily armed and dangerous. The community remains on high alert as police continue the manhunt with reinforcements from across the country.