Tom Phillips, the New Zealand father who disappeared with his three children in 2021, has been shot dead in a police shootout. His kids were found safe after four years missing.
Father on the Run for Four Years Shot Dead
New Zealand fugitive Tom Phillips, who disappeared with his three children four years ago, has been killed in a police shootout.
Phillips, who had been living off the grid since 2021 with Jayda (12), Maverick (10), and Ember (9), was confronted by police during an attempted burglary in Piopio on September 8, 2025.
The Deadly Confrontation
Police responded to a break-in at a farm supply store.
Officers deployed road spikes, stopping a quad bike believed to be driven by Phillips with one of his children on board.
When officers approached, they were met with gunfire.
One officer was shot in the head and remains in critical but survivable condition.
A second officer returned fire, killing the shooter — identified by family as Tom Phillips.
The child with Phillips was unharmed and later helped police locate the other two siblings.
Children Found Safe
With guidance from the first child, officers discovered the two remaining children at a remote campsite. All three were taken into custody for medical checks and are said to be safe and cooperating.
Authorities have not confirmed whether the children are fully aware of their father’s death.
Years on the Run
Phillips first disappeared with his children in September 2021, later returning and claiming they had only gone on a camping trip. He was charged with wasting police resources.
In December 2021, he vanished again and failed to appear in court, triggering a nationwide search.
Sightings were rare, but included:
August 2025: CCTV appeared to capture Phillips and one child breaking into a store in Piopio.
Previous reports suggested he had been hiding in the New Zealand wilderness, surviving with bushcraft skills.
Family Pleas Before the Shooting
Before his death, Phillips’ family had repeatedly urged him to come home.
In a handwritten note, his mother Julia wrote:
“Every day I wake up and hope that today will be the day you all come home.
Tom – I feel really sad that you thought you had to do this, not considering how much we love you and can support you.
Jayda, Maverick, Ember – I love you so much and really miss being part of your lives.”
