On 11 September 2021, Tom Phillips and his three children disappeared for the first time, prompting a massive search operation after his vehicle was found near his parents' home on New Zealand's North Island. The family returned three weeks later, claiming they were on a camping trip. However, they vanished again on 12 December 2021, and after chance sightings and limited CCTV evidence, Phillips was not seen until he was shot by police during a burglary attempt on Monday morning.
The search for Phillips spanned four years, leading to many questions surrounding his motivations and whether he had assistance in evading the authorities. Accusations of wasting police resources loomed after his first return home in 2021, and a warrant was issued for his arrest when he failed to appear for court.
In February 2022, Phillips disappeared for over a year after he returned home at night to collect supplies. Following this, he was spotted multiple times in the Kawhia area, allegedly involved in burglaries wearing camouflage with his children.
The manhunt culminated tragically on Monday morning when police were called to a report of attempted burglary in Piopio. A shootout ensued, resulting in Phillips' death. The child with him was found unharmed, leading police to locate the other two children in remote bushland. The children are currently under care as investigations continue into Phillips’ prolonged evasion and the circumstances that led up to his death.
The search for Phillips spanned four years, leading to many questions surrounding his motivations and whether he had assistance in evading the authorities. Accusations of wasting police resources loomed after his first return home in 2021, and a warrant was issued for his arrest when he failed to appear for court.
In February 2022, Phillips disappeared for over a year after he returned home at night to collect supplies. Following this, he was spotted multiple times in the Kawhia area, allegedly involved in burglaries wearing camouflage with his children.
The manhunt culminated tragically on Monday morning when police were called to a report of attempted burglary in Piopio. A shootout ensued, resulting in Phillips' death. The child with him was found unharmed, leading police to locate the other two children in remote bushland. The children are currently under care as investigations continue into Phillips’ prolonged evasion and the circumstances that led up to his death.
