Police have released the first images of what they believe is one of many campsites where a New Zealand father on the run hid with his three children for years.
Two of Tom Phillips' children were discovered at the site in the Waikato region on Monday, just hours after he was killed in a police shootout.
Authorities located the children with the help of the third child, who was present with Phillips when he died. Officials reported that the children are doing well, though they need time to recover from their experiences.
Pursuing an inquiry that began shortly before Christmas in 2021, Phillips vanished with his children—Jayda, Maverick, and Ember, aged eight, seven, and five at the time—following the loss of legal custody. Phillips had no regard for his children's safety, according to Police Commissioner Richard Chambers, who added they are now in the care of authorities.
A cache of firearms and ammunition was also discovered at the campsite, which was surrounded by dense foliage. Two quad bikes were found parked among the trees.
At the start of Monday, police responded to a report of an attempted burglary at a rural farm supply shop in Piopio, which culminated in a shootout with Phillips. An officer sustained serious injuries after being shot at with a high-powered rifle, and Mr. Chambers stated they had absolutely no doubt it was intended to kill.
The injured officer has undergone multiple surgeries, facing a long road to recovery.
Although the resolution of Phillips' case has brought some relief, many questions remain regarding how he evaded capture for so long and how he was able to access firearms. The children’s mother expressed her relief over the safe recovery of her children but lamented the subsequent events.
Authorities ensure that the children will receive necessary support for as long as needed, marking the beginning of their journey towards recovery and healing.
