Full Breakdown
Sisters of Slain Officer Neal Thompson Plan to Sue Victoria Police for Negligence
4/5/2026, 9:29:34 PM
Legal Action Following Tragedy
The sisters of Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson, who was fatally shot by Dezi Freeman during a police operation in Porepunkah on August 26, 2025, are preparing to sue Victoria Police for negligence. Dianne Thompson and Lois Kirk's legal action stems from the decision not to deploy specialist tactical forces during the execution of a search warrant against Freeman, who was later killed by police on March 30, 2026, after a seven-month manhunt.
Background of the Incident
On the day of the shooting, Thompson, 59, and Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart, 34, were part of a police team serving a warrant at Freeman's property. During the operation, both officers were shot, resulting in Thompson's death and serious injuries to another officer. Freeman was subsequently located and killed by police in Thologolong, Victoria, concluding a significant search operation.
Family's Experience and Claims
In a letter addressed to Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush, the sisters expressed feelings of abandonment and neglect following their brother's death. They described being informed of Thompson's death via phone call rather than in person and reported feeling "invisible" during the investigation and at his funeral. They stated, “We expected grief, we expected heartbreak, but we did not expect to feel invisible,” highlighting their emotional distress and lack of support from the police.
Official Responses from Victoria Police
Victoria Police acknowledged the difficulties faced by the families of the fallen officers. In their statements, they emphasized ongoing communication efforts with the families, including appointing police liaison officers to provide updates and support. However, they also recognized issues raised by Thompson's sisters and confirmed that they had met with them following their correspondence. The police reiterated their commitment to managing ongoing investigations while providing timely updates.
Criticism of Police Procedures
The sisters' lawyer, Jeremy King, indicated that the upcoming coronial inquest would explore why elite units, such as the Special Operations Group, were not deployed during the initial warrant execution. This inquiry aims to address the procedural failures that may have contributed to the tragic outcomes of that day.
Broader Implications
The legal action taken by Thompson's sisters raises critical questions about police accountability and the treatment of families affected by police violence. Their experience underscores the emotional toll on families navigating grief while seeking justice and transparency from law enforcement agencies.
Verbatim Quotes
- “'We expected grief, we expected heartbreak, but we did not expect to feel invisible.” — Dianne Thompson, Sister of Neal Thompson
- “Our grief is heavy, but it is made heaver by how alone we have felt in it,” — Lois Kirk, Sister of Neal Thompson
- “While every effort is made to provide timely updates to all families involved, we are always conscious of the need to manage ongoing investigations.” — Victoria Police Statement
The sisters' pursuit of legal action reflects a broader demand for accountability within law enforcement, particularly in cases involving the loss of life during police operations.
