Police have released the first images of a remote campsite where fugitive father Tom Phillips is believed to have hidden with his three children for several years.
The discovery follows a dramatic end to a nationwide manhunt that culminated on Monday in the Waikato region. Phillips was killed in a shootout with police, and an officer was seriously injured.
Events began to unfold in the early hours of Monday when police responded to an attempted burglary at a rural farm supply shop in the small town of Piopio. There, they confronted Phillips, who opened fire with a high-powered rifle. Police Commissioner Richard Chambers stated there was “absolutely no doubt” the shot was intended to kill the officer, who has since undergone multiple surgeries and faces a long recovery.
One of Phillips’ children was with him at the time of the confrontation and subsequently led authorities to a secluded campsite deep in dense vegetation. After a search lasting nearly 12 hours, the other two children were found at the location. Police confirmed a stash of firearms, ammunition, and two quad bikes were discovered at the site.
The three children—Jayda, Maverick, and Ember—are now in the care of authorities. Officials report they are “doing well” but will require significant time to recover from their ordeal. “They have seen and been exposed to things that children in our country should not be,” said Police Minister Mark Mitchell. Warwick Morehu of New Zealand’s Ministry for Children added that the children will receive whatever assistance they need for as long as necessary.
Phillips disappeared with his children, then aged eight, seven, and five, shortly before Christmas in 2021 after reportedly losing a custody dispute. His case has captivated New Zealand for nearly four years.
Commissioner Chambers condemned Phillips’ actions, stating he had “no regard” for his children’s safety and had “quite literally put them in harm’s way.” Key questions remain for investigators, including how Phillips evaded capture for so long despite multiple sightings and how he acquired firearms.
The children’s mother, identified in media reports as Cat, told RNZ she was “deeply relieved” that the ordeal was over after missing her children every day. “We are saddened by how events unfolded today,” she added.
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