New Zealand Fugitive Father Tom Phillips Spotted with Children in Wilderness After Three Years

A dramatic sighting has emerged in New Zealand, where fugitive father Tom Phillips and his three children have been spotted in the wilderness for the first time in nearly three years. The encounter, which took place on October 3, 2024, involved teenage pig hunters who recorded the moment on their smartphones.

Tom Phillips, along with his children Ember (8), Maverick (9), and Jayda (11), was seen walking through a grass field near Marokopa town on the North Island. They were all dressed in camouflage attire and carrying large backpacks, indicating they were well-prepared for their extended stay in the bush.

The family's disappearance in December 2021 followed a confrontation with their mother, Catherine. Phillips did not have legal custody of the children and violated a custody order by taking them to an unknown location. Since then, there have been numerous reported sightings, but this marks the first confirmed sighting of all four since they vanished.

Background of the Disappearance

In December 2021, Tom Phillips absconded into the wilderness of Waikato with his children following a dispute with their mother. His vehicle was discovered abandoned, prompting a significant search effort across land and sea. Nineteen days later, they emerged at his parents' farmhouse near Marokopa, with Phillips asserting that he had taken them on an extended camping excursion. However, less than three months later, they were reported missing again, and a warrant for his arrest was issued after Phillips failed to appear in court in January.

The family's whereabouts remained a mystery until now. Despite numerous police searches, rewards, and public appeals, there had been no trace of Mr. Phillips and his children until this recent sighting. In June this year, New Zealand Police announced an NZD80,000 (37,247) reward for information leading to the safe return of the three children, but this offer expired before they were located.

The Recent Sighting

The recent sighting occurred when a group of teenage pig hunters encountered Phillips and his children while trekking through the bush. The hunters briefly interacted with one of the children, inquiring if anyone was aware of their presence. The child responded with 'only you' before continuing on, as recounted by the father of one of the hunters to New Zealand's 1News.

The teenagers noted that Phillips was armed and had grown a long beard, while the children wore masks and carried their own backpacks. This encounter marked the first confirmed sighting of all four since they disappeared in December 2021.

Police were alerted to the sighting around 19:00 local time on October 3 and initiated a three-day search involving both police and military helicopters. Although they were unable to locate the family, investigators described the sighting as a 'positive line of inquiry.'

Police Response and Concerns

Detective Inspector Andrew Saunders labeled the sighting as 'credible' and indicated that authorities believe it to be Phillips along with his children. Saunders reassured the public that they have the necessary resources ready to act on any information or sightings reported.

Saunders emphasized that the primary goal is to ensure the safe return of Jayda, Maverick, and Ember to their family. He added, 'Our focus is very much on the safe return of the children, and we are doing all that we can to make that happen.'

Police have previously stated their belief that Phillips and the kids were receiving assistance and have urged 'anyone involved to please cease their actions, do the right thing, and inform the police of what they know.'

Concerns Over Child Safety

The children's mother, Catherine, expressed her relief upon learning that her children were alive but also expressed deep concern over their safety and well-being. She accused her former partner of exploiting the children as 'pawns in his game.'

Catherine criticized the authorities for not doing enough to locate her ex-husband and urged those she believes are assisting him to come forward. She stated, 'They shouldn't have to worry about where they're going to sleep at night or whether they'll be warm.'

The public has been warned not to approach Mr. Phillips as he may be armed. An arrest warrant for Mr. Phillips was issued soon after he vanished in late 2021, and he is also wanted for allegedly robbing a bank at gunpoint in Te Kuiti in May 2023.

In November, police suspect he and one of his children broke into a store and stole a bicycle. The children's mother released an emotional video earlier this year urging people to help bring her children back.

She pleaded, 'I am standing here before you today begging you for your help to bring my babies home. They are just innocent children, they don't deserve to be treated this way.'

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