New Zealand Father Killed in Shootout After Years Hiding with Children; Campsite images Released
Waikato, New Zealand – New Zealand police have released the first images of a remote campsite believed to be one of several used by Tom Phillips, the father who evaded authorities for nearly four years while on the run with his three children. the dramatic end to the search came Monday with Phillips’ death in a shootout with police, and the recovery of his children – Jayda, Maverick, and Ember – aged eight, seven, and five at the time of their disappearance in 2021.Two of the children were discovered at the campsite in the Waikato region hours after Phillips was killed. The third child was with Phillips during the confrontation and assisted police in locating his siblings. Authorities report the children are “doing well” under the circumstances,but acknowledge a long recovery process lies ahead.
phillips disappeared shortly before Christmas in 2021, allegedly after losing legal custody of his children. Police Commissioner Richard Chambers stated Phillips demonstrated “no regard” for the children’s safety, “quite literally put[ting] [them] in harm’s way” during their years living off-grid.
The campsite,nestled in dense vegetation,yielded a meaningful cache of firearms and ammunition,along with two quad bikes. Police had been searching for the two children found at the site for nearly 12 hours before locating them.
The events leading to the shootout began in the early hours of Monday morning when police responded to a reported attempted burglary at a farm supply shop in Piopio. During the ensuing confrontation, Phillips opened fire on officers with a high-powered rifle, seriously injuring one. Commissioner Chambers confirmed police believe Phillips intentionally attempted to kill the officer, who has undergone multiple surgeries and faces a lengthy recovery.The case has captivated New Zealand for
