The mother and sister of Tom Phillips, wanted for custody violations and alleged robbery, have expressed deep concern, hoping for his safe return with his children after nearly four years on the run.
Family Appeals to Fugitive Father in New Zealand to Return Home
Family Appeals to Fugitive Father in New Zealand to Return Home
Family members of Tom Phillips urge him to come back with his three children amid ongoing police search.
New Zealand's wilderness has become both a hiding place and a concern for the family of Tom Phillips, a man missing along with his three children since December 2021. His family has made a heartfelt plea for him to return home safely, hoping to bridge the gap created by his departure amid a custody dispute.
Recent sightings have brought new attention to his case, with footage surfacing of Phillips and his children trekking through the bush last October. His mother expressed sorrow in her note, “Tom - I feel really sad that you thought you had to do this.” She emphasized the love and support awaiting his return. Rozzi Phillips, his sister, echoed these sentiments, stating, “I miss you, and I miss being part of your life.”
The family's plea comes as Phillips remains in hiding after supposedly losing legal custody of his children. Law enforcement believes he has been camping in the rugged Waikato region, and they have offered a significant reward for information. Despite sightings, including an interaction with a group of teenagers who encountered them, efforts to locate him have so far been unsuccessful.
Reports indicate Phillips has been implicated in a robbery and is considered armed and dangerous, laying the groundwork for a complicated situation concerning his children. With fears over their safety, the community and the family continue to hope for a resolution that sees them return to safety without further incidents.
Recent sightings have brought new attention to his case, with footage surfacing of Phillips and his children trekking through the bush last October. His mother expressed sorrow in her note, “Tom - I feel really sad that you thought you had to do this.” She emphasized the love and support awaiting his return. Rozzi Phillips, his sister, echoed these sentiments, stating, “I miss you, and I miss being part of your life.”
The family's plea comes as Phillips remains in hiding after supposedly losing legal custody of his children. Law enforcement believes he has been camping in the rugged Waikato region, and they have offered a significant reward for information. Despite sightings, including an interaction with a group of teenagers who encountered them, efforts to locate him have so far been unsuccessful.
Reports indicate Phillips has been implicated in a robbery and is considered armed and dangerous, laying the groundwork for a complicated situation concerning his children. With fears over their safety, the community and the family continue to hope for a resolution that sees them return to safety without further incidents.
