New Zealand Father Killed by Police After Four-Year Manhunt

A father who eluded law enforcement with his three children for nearly four years was fatally shot by police on Monday in New Zealand. According to the New Zealand Police, Tom Phillips was confronted after he allegedly robbed an agricultural supplies store in the Waikato region. At the time of the incident, one of his children was with him, while the other two were later discovered in a remote campsite hours after the shootout.

The children, now approximately 9, 10, and 11 years old, had been missing since December 2021, when Phillips disappeared with them during a custody dispute. Investigators believed the family was hiding in the dense forests surrounding the isolated rural settlement of Marokopa, where they had lived. Despite extensive searches and appeals for information, credible sightings of the family were scarce.

On the morning of the confrontation, Phillips allegedly entered a farm supplies store and stole items, leading to a police response. During the ensuing altercation, an officer was critically injured, suffering multiple gunshot wounds to the head. Acting Deputy Police Commissioner Jill Rogers confirmed that the officer was undergoing surgery and that his injuries were survivable.

After approximately 13 hours without knowing the children’s whereabouts, authorities announced that the two younger children had been found unharmed at a campsite nearby. The child who was with Phillips during the robbery cooperated with police, aiding in the search effort.

Phillips had been a person of interest in several criminal cases, including an armed bank robbery in May 2023, during which he allegedly fired at a bystander while accompanied by one of his children. Detective Senior Sergeant Andrew Saunders stated that Phillips did not have legal custody of his children, and concerns about their welfare had been mounting since their disappearance.

The case garnered significant media attention, with the public captivated by the family’s story. In June 2024, law enforcement announced an 80,000 New Zealand dollars (approximately $47,000) reward for information leading to their location, although no one came forward with useful details.

This was not Phillips’ first incident of vanishing with his children. In September 2021, he prompted a three-week search after authorities found his truck abandoned on a beach. He later re-emerged, claiming they had been camping in the forest, which led to his arrest for wasting police resources. After being charged, Phillips vanished again, stating he was taking the children on another trip.

In recent months, sightings of Phillips had been reported, including a video filmed by teenagers who encountered him and his children while hunting in the bush. Surveillance footage also captured him robbing a grocery store last month.

Following the tragic events, the children’s mother, identified only as Cat, expressed her relief that the ordeal for her children had concluded. In a statement to Radio New Zealand, she said, “They have been dearly missed every day for nearly four years, and we are looking forward to welcoming them home with love and care.”

Phillips’ family had previously urged him to turn himself in, expressing concern for the children’s well-being. His sister, Rozzi Phillips, had publicly stated that the family was ready to support him if he returned.

The situation has raised numerous questions about the challenges faced by authorities in locating Phillips and ensuring the safety of the children. As investigations continue, the focus remains on providing care and support for the children who have faced significant upheaval throughout their young lives.