The offspring of fugitive Tom Phillips have been located unharmed after four years on the lam following their father’s fatal shooting by law enforcement. Acting Deputy Commissioner Jill Rogers confirmed their discovery at a camping site around 4:30 pm on Monday, stating they were safe and in good condition. The incident occurred after Phillips was shot earlier in the day while allegedly involved in a burglary.
A witness alerted authorities around 2:30 am upon observing two individuals, believed to be Tom Phillips and his 12-year-old daughter Jayda, dressed in farm attire and headlamps, looting a rural supply store in Piopio, western Waikato, New Zealand. The pair fled on a quad bike but were apprehended about an hour later, approximately 33km away on Te Anga Road, where police used road spikes.
Confronted by a lone officer, Phillips opened fire with a high-powered rifle, injuring the officer. Additional law enforcement personnel arrived at the scene, resulting in the fatal shooting of Phillips and the custody of Jayda. At the time, his other two children, Maverick, 10, and Ember, 9, were missing, prompting an intense search operation.
Acting Deputy Commissioner Jill Rogers later confirmed that the siblings were discovered alone at a campsite and were cooperating with the investigation. She assured, “I can confirm that the children are well and uninjured, and they will be taken to a location this evening for medical checks.”
Commending the search team’s efforts, Police Commissioner Richard Chambers praised the police for handling a high-risk situation and challenging circumstances effectively throughout the day. He acknowledged the injured colleague who faces a lengthy recovery.
The male officer shot by Phillips was airlifted to a hospital in critical condition and has undergone the first of many surgeries for multiple gunshot wounds, as per the police statement. The disappearance of Phillips and his three young children from Marokopa, Waikato, in December 2021 following a dispute with their mother was linked to Phillips’ alleged bank robbery in September 2023. The trio was first sighted with their father on October 3, 2024, walking through Marokopa farmland and are believed to have lived in the wilderness since then.
In a statement, Cat, the children’s mother, expressed relief that the ordeal had ended for the children and looked forward to their return home with love and care. She also conveyed sadness over the events of the day and extended gratitude to the supporting community and governmental agencies for their assistance. Cat emphasized the family’s intention to collaborate with relevant authorities for the safe return and reintegration of the children, seeking privacy during their adjustment to a stable and nurturing environment.
