A man who evaded capture with his three children in the remote areas of New Zealand for almost four years was shot dead by police on Monday. Tom Phillips, who was wanted for multiple crimes, was confronted by law enforcement after allegedly robbing an agricultural supply store in Waikato. At the time of the incident, one of his children was with him while the other two were later found safe in a forested area.
The confrontation occurred early on March 4, 2024, when Phillips reportedly entered the store and stole items. According to Jill Rogers, Acting Deputy Police Commissioner, Phillips shot at police during the encounter, wounding an officer critically. The officer was undergoing surgery for multiple gunshot wounds but is expected to survive.
Phillips had been the subject of a nationwide search since his disappearance with the children in December 2021. The children, now aged approximately 9, 10, and 11, had not attended formal education or received consistent healthcare during their time on the run. Authorities expressed serious concerns for their well-being, as they had been living in isolation within the North Island’s dense forests.
Background of a Troubling Disappearance
The case has captivated New Zealand, with local residents expressing mixed feelings. Phillips had previously vanished with his children in September 2021, prompting a significant land and sea search after his abandoned vehicle was located on a remote beach. The search was ultimately called off when authorities concluded that the family may have perished. However, they later emerged, stating they had been camping.
In 2023, Phillips re-entered the spotlight when he was linked to an armed bank robbery in May, during which he reportedly fired upon a bystander. Detective Senior Sergeant Andrew Saunders confirmed that Phillips did not have legal custody of his children, and their disappearance was reportedly tied to a custody battle with their mother, identified only as Cat.
A reward of NZD 80,000 (approximately USD 47,000) was offered for information leading to the family’s whereabouts in June 2023 but yielded no results. Regular appeals for public assistance received little traction, while sightings of Phillips remained scarce.
Aftermath and Family Reactions
Following the police confrontation, the two children who were unaccounted for were located about 13 hours later at a remote campsite, unharmed. Rogers credited the child who was with Phillips for aiding authorities in narrowing down the search area, leading to the successful recovery of the siblings.
The children’s mother expressed her relief in a statement to Radio New Zealand, saying she was “deeply relieved” that the ordeal was over. “They have been dearly missed every day for nearly four years, and we are looking forward to welcoming them home with love and care,” she stated.
Phillips’ family had previously urged him to surrender. His sister, Rozzi Phillips, reached out in an interview last month, emphasizing the support available for him and the children.
The tragic conclusion to this long-standing case highlights complex issues surrounding mental health, family dynamics, and the challenges faced by law enforcement in apprehending individuals who evade capture. The investigation into the events surrounding Phillips’ actions and the circumstances of his death will continue as authorities seek to understand the full scope of this troubling situation.
