New Zealand's wilderness continues to harbor fugitive Tom Phillips, who disappeared nearly four years ago with his three children, Ember, nine; Maverick, ten; and Jayda, twelve. His family has made a poignant appeal for his safe return, following years of uncertainty since the family's abrupt departure from their home in December 2021 amid a dispute with their mother.
In recent developments, CCTV footage reportedly captured Phillips attempting a break-in at a store in Piopio, located in the Waitomo region. The family's plea comes as New Zealand police maintain an ongoing search for Phillips and his children, who were last spotted in public last October by a group of teenagers in a remote part of Marokopa. The teenagers recorded their encounter, a rare sighting since the family's disappearance.
Phillips' family has broken their silence to publicly reach out to him. His mother expressed daily hopes for their return, while his sister Rozzi described the love and support available for them despite their difficulties. "We’re ready to help you walk through what you need to walk through," Rozzi shared with the news outlet Stuff. She believes Phillips has created a makeshift shelter in the wilderness, emphasizing that he is a capable builder.
Accompanying their message, Rozzi revealed a handwritten note from their mother, addressed to Tom. In it, she expressed sadness over his decision to leave, emphasizing the family's love and support. "It hurts every time I see photos of the children and of you," Julia Phillips wrote, reminding them of the emotional distance that has formed since their disappearance.
Authorities have stated that Phillips does not have legal custody of his children. The New Zealand Police have put a reward of NZ$80,000 (£37,200) for information about the family's whereabouts and suspect that Phillips is receiving assistance from others while evading capture. A warrant for his arrest was issued in connection with a bank robbery in Te Kuiti, New Zealand, where he may be armed. With the search efforts continuing, the plea from Phillips’ family highlights the complex mix of love and concern that underlines this unfolding story.
In recent developments, CCTV footage reportedly captured Phillips attempting a break-in at a store in Piopio, located in the Waitomo region. The family's plea comes as New Zealand police maintain an ongoing search for Phillips and his children, who were last spotted in public last October by a group of teenagers in a remote part of Marokopa. The teenagers recorded their encounter, a rare sighting since the family's disappearance.
Phillips' family has broken their silence to publicly reach out to him. His mother expressed daily hopes for their return, while his sister Rozzi described the love and support available for them despite their difficulties. "We’re ready to help you walk through what you need to walk through," Rozzi shared with the news outlet Stuff. She believes Phillips has created a makeshift shelter in the wilderness, emphasizing that he is a capable builder.
Accompanying their message, Rozzi revealed a handwritten note from their mother, addressed to Tom. In it, she expressed sadness over his decision to leave, emphasizing the family's love and support. "It hurts every time I see photos of the children and of you," Julia Phillips wrote, reminding them of the emotional distance that has formed since their disappearance.
Authorities have stated that Phillips does not have legal custody of his children. The New Zealand Police have put a reward of NZ$80,000 (£37,200) for information about the family's whereabouts and suspect that Phillips is receiving assistance from others while evading capture. A warrant for his arrest was issued in connection with a bank robbery in Te Kuiti, New Zealand, where he may be armed. With the search efforts continuing, the plea from Phillips’ family highlights the complex mix of love and concern that underlines this unfolding story.
