NZ Fugitive Father Shot Dead by Police After Nearly Four-Year Manhunt; Children Found Safe

In a dramatic conclusion to a case that captivated New Zealand, Tom Phillips, a father who had evaded authorities with his three young children in the remote Waikato wilderness since late 2021, was killed by police following a violent confrontation during a suspected burglary.

In the early hours of Monday, police were alerted to a break-in at a farm supply store in Piopio. Officers laid down road-spike strips to intercept the suspects, believed to be Phillips and one of his children, riding a quad bike. After the bike stopped, a confrontation ensued. Phillips allegedly opened fire with a high-powered rifle, seriously injuring an officer in the head. A second officer returned fire, fatally wounding Phillips, who died at the scene.

One of the children was taken into custody on the spot. Hours later, the remaining two were located safe and uninjured at a nearby remote campsite. Authorities confirmed that all three children are now receiving medical care and emotional support, and are expected to be reunited with their mother.

The case had gripped the nation, spotlighting how Phillips managed to evade capture while living off the grid with his children. Despite occasional sightings and previous criminal activity, including an armed robbery and a bank heist, Phillips had remained elusive for nearly four years.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon described the outcome as “absolutely tragic,” while police emphasized that their focus now is on the welfare and recovery of the children following the emotional ordeal.

Sources: CBS News, AP News, Al Jazeera, The Guardian, Reuters