Four years ago, Tom Phillips and his three children disappeared under mysterious circumstances in the New Zealand bush. Phillips, along with his children Jayda, Maverick, and Ember, went missing from the rural town of Marokopa on December 12, 2021. This incident left Phillips’ ex-wife, Catherine, deeply distressed.
After numerous reported sightings over the years, the saga reached its conclusion when Phillips was fatally shot by the police. The fatal encounter occurred when Phillips allegedly shot an officer during an attempted burglary. A witness reported seeing Phillips and Jayda dressed in farm attire with headlamps, raiding a rural supply store in Piopio, New Zealand. The police intercepted them on Te Anga Road after a pursuit, where Phillips assaulted a loan officer with a rifle. Subsequently, the police shot and killed Phillips, while Jayda was taken into custody. Maverick and Ember were later found unharmed at a nearby campsite.
Police Commissioner Richard Chambers commended the search teams for their efforts in resolving the situation. He acknowledged the challenging circumstances and praised the police’s handling of the high-risk situation.
The injured officer, who was airlifted to a hospital, underwent extensive surgery after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds during the encounter.
Catherine expressed immense relief at the return of her children after years of uncertainty. She expressed gratitude to the community for their support and extended her love to all those affected by the events.
The ordeal began months before Phillips’ disappearance, when he initially vanished with the children in September 2021. He returned claiming to have taken them on a camping trip, resulting in legal repercussions for wasting police resources. Phillips reportedly took the children again three months later after losing custody, leading to years of living off the grid.
Catherine, who tirelessly advocated for her children’s return, shared a letter from Phillips seeking forgiveness. The letter expressed remorse and a desire for reconciliation.
The family is now working with government agencies to facilitate the safe return and reintegration of the children into a stable and caring environment. They seek privacy as the children readjust and transition back into a more normal life.