Tom Phillips is believed to have been shot dead during an armed confrontation with police in a remote area of New Zealand. This crash sadly ends a multi-year search for Phillips and his three children. They had been in deep cover in the national forests since December 2021. The kids—ages 9, 10, and 12—have been separated from their mother ever since Phillips failed to return them home. During the past several years, this has created an alarming and chronic scarcity of their well-being.
Police believed Phillips and the children were holed up in the thick bushland around Marakopa. The showdown happened in this farming community as activists circled closer to their location. Police responding to a report of a burglary at an agricultural supplies store in Poipoi undertook the largest manhunt in the country’s history. This small town is just a few miles from where they thought Phillips was holed up. One such police officer arrived at the scene and talked to Phillips. At that time, Phillips was zipping around on an all-terrain vehicle with one of the minors.
The police afterwards found a second child at the site and found at least six firearms near the quad bike.
“The quad bike has run over the spikes. The two occupants have been on that bike, and it has come to a rest on this rural road. A short time later, the first attending police officer at that scene has come across that stopped quad bike and been confronted by gunfire at close range,” – Jill Rogers, Acting Deputy Commissioner.
Over two years ago, Tom Phillips disappeared with his children. This case is still shocking to law enforcement and the public. In June, police offered a reward of 80,000 New Zealand dollars (approximately $52,000) for information leading to their location and safe return. Just two weeks prior to the deadly confrontation, law enforcement had publicly released CCTV photos of Tom Phillips. He was in the company of one of his children and they requested advice from the community.
“A second person was located at the scene, and multiple firearms were located on and around the quad bike,” – Rogers stated.
As the shooting began making national headlines, Rozzi Phillips took action. She had to repeat to CNN affiliate RNZ the news that her brother Tom had died. At the same time, the children’s mother, Cat, described her happiness that her family’s situation has turned around.
She added that they had been “dearly missed every day for nearly four years” and looked forward to welcoming them home with love and care.
“I am deeply relieved that for our children this ordeal has come to an end,” – Cat remarked.
The media and the public have repeatedly been warned by law enforcement to stop complicating operations by interfering with established protocol. They focus on safety through these developing incidents.
Authorities are looking for Tom Phillips in connection with the horrific incident. He has not yet formally been identified as such. At this time, the police continue to investigate and want to ensure children are safe. They are doing the difficult work of bringing deeper understanding to what led to this heartbreaking situation.
“Police ask media and members of the public to respect the Police operation and cordons that are now in place to ensure nobody is put at risk,” – New Zealand police informed.
The formal identification of Tom Phillips has yet to take place, but authorities believe him to be the individual involved in the tragic incident. The investigation continues as police work to ensure the safety of the children and provide clarity regarding the circumstances surrounding this heartbreaking scenario.
