New Zealand police are treating the temporary hideout of a fugitive, who had been evading authorities with his three young children for nearly four years, as a crime scene. Forensic experts are meticulously examining the makeshift camp located deep within the bush where two of Tom Phillips’ children were found on Monday.
The third child was found with Phillips, just over a mile away, when a tragic incident unfolded. Phillips was fatally shot during a confrontation with the police following a botched burglary attempt. A police officer sustained serious injuries during the encounter and is currently hospitalized.
Phillips disappeared into the wilderness with his children, Jayda (12), Maverick (10), and Ember (9), in December 2021 after a contentious custody dispute with their mother at the family farm in Marokopa. Authorities had struggled to locate the family, with only a few sporadic sightings reported over the years. The revelation of the camp’s location came after one of the children provided crucial information to the authorities.
Police images released to the public show two quad bikes covered with blankets amidst the trees at the site. Additionally, various items such as spare tires, drink cans, and firearms with ammunition were discovered at the camp deep in the bush.
A local resident described the area where the camp was found as extremely dense and ideal for concealment due to its rugged terrain. Police believe the camp was a temporary stop for the family, indicating they had been moving around and potentially receiving assistance from others.
The successful search for the two children followed an extensive operation lasting nearly 12 hours. Upon being found, the children engaged positively with the police, who provided them with snacks and drinks.
The breakthrough in locating the children occurred after police received a tip about an attempted burglary in a small town. Authorities strategically laid spikes on the road, leading to a confrontation where Phillips opened fire on an officer before being neutralized by another officer. The child present at the scene provided vital information on the whereabouts of their siblings.
Acting Deputy Commissioner Jill Rogers confirmed that the children were physically unharmed, emphasizing their mental well-being as a top priority. She stated that the children were found alone, and the site has been secured for a thorough forensic examination expected to last several days.
The mother of the children, known as Cat, expressed a mix of relief and sadness at the resolution after years of uncertainty. She eagerly awaits the return of her children, emphasizing the family’s longing for a peaceful and safe reunion.
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