In brief
In a tragic turn of events, Tom Phillips was killed by police after being on the run with his children in New Zealand for nearly four years. The 39-year-old father, who disappeared with his kids in late 2021, was located during a police chase linked to a robbery. This case, marked by multiple attempts to locate Phillips, deeply affected the community and has left many questioning the impact of his actions on his children’s well-being.
A father who had been on the run with his three children in New Zealand's wilderness for nearly four years has been shot dead by police.
Tom Phillips, who disappeared with his children in late 2021, had evaded capture despite a nationwide search and multiple sightings over the years. The case had gripped the country and remains one of New Zealand's most enduring mysteries.
Phillips was killed in a shootout around 02:30 on Monday (14:30 GMT Sunday) in Piopio, a small town in northern New Zealand, police reported.
Officers were responding to a reported robbery when Phillips and one of his children were spotted riding a quad bike. Police pursued them, laying road spikes to stop their vehicle. After hitting the spikes and going off-road, they were met with gunfire as police arrived at the scene.
One officer was shot in the head and remains in serious condition, while Phillips was shot and died at the scene. The child he was with helped authorities locate his two other siblings later that day, who were found unharmed at a remote campsite.
Since their disappearance, the family had been living in the rural area of Marokopa, surrounded by dense bush and rugged landscapes. It has been suggested that Phillips managed to survive in the wilderness using his skills as a bushman.
Authorities believe Phillips took his children after losing legal custody, and it was reported that he had been involved in multiple break-ins and robberies during his time on the run. As the community mourns his death, there are growing concerns about the psychological impact on Phillips' children, with their mother expressing relief at their safety but sadness over the tragic outcome.
New Zealand's Prime Minister Chris Luxon described the events as sad and absolutely tragic, reflecting the sentiments of many New Zealanders who hoped for a different resolution to this long-standing case.
