“The family of three children who vanished with their father in 2021 speaks out for the first time. The children were recently spotted by hunters, and their family is pleading for their safe return.”
The family of three children who vanished with their father in 2021 has spoken out for the first time, offering a heartbreaking plea for their safe return. Tom Phillips, along with his children Jayda (12), Maverick (10), and Ember (9), disappeared from their family home in New Zealand after a reported argument with their mother, Cat.
Since their disappearance, a national search has been ongoing, but it wasn’t until last year that a crucial lead surfaced. On October 3, 2022, a group of teenagers spotted the family trekking through the bush and recorded a video of them. This was the last known public sighting of the missing children.
A Grateful Yet Heartbroken Mother
While Cat, the children’s mother, expressed her gratitude toward the teens for the video, she also voiced her pain, accusing her ex-partner, Tom, of using the children as pawns in a personal vendetta. “It’s like Christmas came early for me when I saw the video, but I’m heartbroken that he’s doing this to our kids,” she said.
Tom’s Family’s Heartfelt Appeal
In an emotional appeal, Tom’s mother, Julia Phillips, issued a handwritten note directly to her son and grandchildren. “Every day I wake up and hope today is the day you all come home,” she wrote. “Tom, I feel really sad that you thought you had to do this, not considering how much we love you and can support you. It hurts every time I see photos of you and the children. I miss being part of your lives.”
His sister, Rozzi Phillips, also shared her heartache with New Zealand’s Stuff news site, saying, “There’s a lot of love and support here, and we’re ready to help you walk through what you need to walk through. I really miss you and want to be part of your life again.”
Survival in the Wilderness: Hints of Shelter
Rozzi believes her brother, a skilled builder, may have created a shelter or “nest” in the wilderness to provide a safe space for himself and the children. According to police, Tom likely fled with his children after a legal custody battle with their mother, and has since been hiding out in the remote areas of New Zealand’s North Island, specifically the Waikato region.
A Disturbing Encounter: Teenagers Spot the Family
In a chilling turn of events, a group of teenage hunters reported seeing the family in Marokopa. They described Tom as having a long beard and carrying a gun, while the children were reportedly masked and carrying their own backpacks. One of the children is said to have told the hunters, “Only you know we’re here.”
This encounter came months after a NZ$80,000 reward was posted for information about their whereabouts.
Tom Phillips: Wanted for Bank Robbery
In addition to the ongoing search for the missing children, Tom Phillips is also wanted by police in connection with a bank robbery in Te Kuiti. Authorities believe he had an accomplice during the robbery, and have issued a warrant for his arrest.
The police have warned the public not to approach Tom, as he is believed to be armed and may be receiving help from others to evade capture.
