Wellington, New Zealand — A man who had evaded law enforcement for nearly four years, living in the remote countryside with his three children, was shot and killed by police on Monday. The confrontation occurred following an armed robbery at an agricultural supplies store in Waikato, where one officer sustained critical injuries.
At the time of the incident, one of Tom Phillips’ children was with him. The other two children were located approximately 13 hours later in a forested area. The children, aged between 9 and 11, had been missing since December 2021, a case that puzzled investigators as they searched for the family in the dense woodlands near their home in Marokopa.
According to New Zealand’s Acting Deputy Police Commissioner, Jill Rogers, Phillips was involved in a robbery early Monday morning, during which he shot at officers. The critically injured officer, who was shot multiple times with a high-powered rifle, is currently undergoing surgery. Rogers confirmed that his injuries are survivable, but further medical procedures are anticipated.
The initial location of the robbery was in a small town close to the rural settlement from which Phillips and his children had vanished. Authorities had long been concerned for the children’s safety, noting that they had not received formal education or healthcare during their time in hiding.
As investigations continued, sightings of Phillips were scarce, with most evidence coming from surveillance footage showing him committing crimes. He was wanted for an armed bank robbery in May 2023, in which he allegedly shot at a member of the public, accompanied by one of his children.
Detective Senior Sergeant Andrew Saunders indicated that Phillips did not have legal custody of his children, and their disappearance was linked to an ongoing custody dispute. The community had mixed feelings, with some residents expressing support for Phillips, despite law enforcement’s ongoing efforts to locate him.
Authorities had previously offered a reward of 80,000 New Zealand dollars (approximately $47,000 USD) for information about the family’s whereabouts, but the offer did not yield results. This was not the first time Phillips had attracted national attention; he had previously gone missing with his children in September 2021, prompting a three-week search that ended when they re-emerged from the forest.
In a statement released following the tragic events, the children’s mother, known as Cat, expressed her relief that her children were finally safe. “They have been dearly missed every day for nearly four years, and we are looking forward to welcoming them home with love and care,” she said.
Phillips’ family had previously urged him to return and turn himself in, emphasizing their support. His sister, Rozzi Phillips, conveyed in an interview last month that there was “a lot of love and support” available for him.
As the investigation continues, authorities are focusing on the implications of this case, which has captivated the nation and raised questions about the support systems for families in distress.
