Tom Phillips, a fugitive father in New Zealand, had “outside help” while hiding his three kids at a campsite, according to police.
Phillips and his three children, Jayda, 12, Maverick, 10, and Ember, 9, disappeared in December 2021 following an alleged dispute with their mother. After being on the run for four years, New Zealand Police confirmed that Phillips had been fatally shot on Monday, September 8, in Waikato after he was involved in a suspected burglary in the small town of Piopio.
One of the kids was with him during the suspected robbery, while the other two were also found safe.
New Zealand Police shared another update in a news release on Wednesday, September 10, stating that they were continuing the search of the camp they believe Phillips and his kids were staying at in the recent months. Police said the area was “difficult to access” and “well-hidden,” adding that it was a “challenging environment” where the family settled to use as their base.
Man Shoots Wife of 25 Years Because He ‘Couldn’t Cope’ With Impending Divorce
Additionally, authorities said they believe Phillips had “outside help” keeping his children hidden.
“Police have released new images from this wider site, approximately 200 metres away, across some difficult terrain from where the younger children were found on Monday,” the release stated.
One of the photos showed what appeared to be a makeshift hut surrounded by trees. A shelter was featured in another image, while another photo showed a tent and tarp, a gas bottle, a camping stove and seemingly packs of alcohol.
Detective Senior Sergeant Andrew Saunders explained in the release that officers have been working in steep and uneven terrain in order to document the conditions of the area. “It’s a very grim, dimly-lit area, surrounded by dense bush. The tent was well covered and dry,” he said.
Valerie Bertinelli Reveals How Journaling Has Helped Her Over the Last Several Months
“We are currently looking at a number of items at the site. Aside from the burglaries we are now able to link to Tom, it is apparent that he had outside help,” Saunders added.
Now that the kids have been found safe, they are currently in the care of Oranga Tamariki (Ministry for Children), as previously reported by People.
Oranga Tamariki and Whānau Services Regional Commissioner Waikato and Bay of Plenty Warwick Morehu recently shared an update about how the kids are doing. “I can confirm the children had a settled night, they are doing well under the circumstances and engaging with the staff supporting them,” Morehu said in a statement obtained by People on Tuesday, September 9.
Morehu added, “Going forward, I have an experienced and dedicated team of staff assigned to this, they are prepped and ready to respond to whatever needs these children might have.”
“We are joined up with our partner agencies across the children’s system to respond to those needs,” he continued. “We have clinical professionals who’ve put their hands up to assist if required. I want to assure you that these children will be provided with whatever help or assistance they may need, for however long they may need it.”
