After being on the run for four years, three children who were taken by their father without legal custody have been found safe in New Zealand. The mother of the missing children expressed a mix of emotions upon their discovery.
Tom Phillips absconded with his children in September 2021 following a dispute with their mother, leading to an extended period of evasion from authorities. The trio was initially spotted with their father in October 2024, walking through Marokopa farmland, and had been living in seclusion since then.
The breakthrough came when Phillips and his daughter were seen conducting a burglary, resulting in a police confrontation where Phillips opened fire, leading to his demise. The witness who alerted authorities observed Phillips and his 12-year-old daughter engaging in the criminal act.
The siblings, Jayda (12), Maverick (10), and Ember (9), were located unaccompanied at a campsite and were found to be unharmed. Acting Deputy Commissioner Jill Rogers confirmed their well-being and cooperation with the investigation, assuring that they would undergo medical assessments.
The children’s mother, Catherine, expressed relief at the children’s recovery while lamenting the violent turn of events. She conveyed her eagerness to reunite with her kids after years of separation and extended gratitude to the community for their support during the ordeal.
Catherine also conveyed sympathy for the injured officer and emphasized the family’s commitment to aiding the children’s reintegration into a nurturing environment. The police were commended for their diligent efforts in safely locating the children, with Police Commissioner Richard Chambers acknowledging the challenges faced by law enforcement in resolving the high-risk situation.
