Forensic experts are treating the makeshift camp where a fugitive, who had been evading authorities with his three young offspring for nearly four years, as a crime scene.
New Zealand police have shared images of the rugged site where two of Tom Phillips’ children were found earlier this week in a remote bush area.
The third child was located about a mile away from their father during a fatal confrontation with law enforcement following a botched burglary. The father was killed in the altercation, resulting in a serious injury to a police officer who is now hospitalized.
Phillips had disappeared into the wilderness with his children – Jayda, 12, Maverick, 10, and Ember, 9 – in December 2021 after a custody dispute with their mother.
The family’s whereabouts had puzzled authorities for years, with only a few reported sightings until the two children were located in a littered campsite in Waikato, New Zealand.
Police pictures reveal quad bikes covered with blankets amidst the trees at the scene. Additionally, firearms, ammunition, spare tires, and other items were found at the site in the dense bush.
A local landowner described the area as ideal for concealment due to its dense and rugged terrain, making it hard to locate.
Authorities believe the camp was temporary, indicating the family may have been on the move and potentially aided by others during their time in hiding.
After nearly 12 hours of searching, the two children were found and described as cooperative when approached by law enforcement, who provided them with refreshments.
The breakthrough occurred following a call reporting an attempted burglary, leading to a confrontation that left the father dead and a police officer critically injured.
Acting Deputy Commissioner Jill Rogers emphasized prioritizing the children’s mental well-being, stating that their safety and recovery are paramount.
The mother, known as Cat, expressed relief mixed with sadness over the end of the ordeal, eagerly anticipating the return of her children after years of separation.
She added that the family had missed the children dearly throughout the ordeal and hoped for a peaceful and safe reunion for all involved.
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