On September 11, 2021, Tom Phillips and his three children disappeared for the first time, leading to a massive search operation initiated by the police in Marokopa, New Zealand. Less than three weeks later, the family returned home, claiming they had been camping. However, they vanished again in December of the same year.
This disappearance prompted a lengthy manhunt, culminating in a police shoot-out on September 8, 2025, during which Phillips was killed while allegedly attempting to break into a rural supply shop in Piopio. The search that started four years ago has left many questions unanswered, including the reasons for Phillips taking his children into the harsh wilderness and whether he had support during his flight from law enforcement.
Phillips was known to have survival skills and was reportedly living off the grid. After various sightings of him and his children during their time in hiding, police suspected he was involved in multiple thefts in the area. The circumstances around his disappearance were complicated by a custody dispute with the children's mother. The wellbeing of the children, now aged 9, 10, and 12, has been a primary concern, and they have now been taken into protective care after being located by police following the tragic turn of events.
This case reveals not just the struggle of a man attempting to evade authorities, but also the complexities of family dynamics and the desperate measures some may pursue and the tragic consequences that can ensue.
This disappearance prompted a lengthy manhunt, culminating in a police shoot-out on September 8, 2025, during which Phillips was killed while allegedly attempting to break into a rural supply shop in Piopio. The search that started four years ago has left many questions unanswered, including the reasons for Phillips taking his children into the harsh wilderness and whether he had support during his flight from law enforcement.
Phillips was known to have survival skills and was reportedly living off the grid. After various sightings of him and his children during their time in hiding, police suspected he was involved in multiple thefts in the area. The circumstances around his disappearance were complicated by a custody dispute with the children's mother. The wellbeing of the children, now aged 9, 10, and 12, has been a primary concern, and they have now been taken into protective care after being located by police following the tragic turn of events.
This case reveals not just the struggle of a man attempting to evade authorities, but also the complexities of family dynamics and the desperate measures some may pursue and the tragic consequences that can ensue.
