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Tom Phillips, a fugitive father in New Zealand, had \u201coutside help\u201d while hiding his three kids at a campsite, according to police.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
One of the kids was with him during the suspected robbery, while the other two were also found safe<\/a>.<\/p>\n New Zealand Police shared another update in a news release<\/a> 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 \u201cdifficult to access\u201d and \u201cwell-hidden,\u201d adding that it was a \u201cchallenging environment\u201d where the family settled to use as their base.<\/p>\n Man Shoots Wife of 25 Years Because He \u2018Couldn\u2019t Cope\u2019 With Impending Divorce<\/a><\/p>\n Additionally, authorities said they believe Phillips had \u201coutside help\u201d keeping his children hidden.<\/p>\n \u201cPolice 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,\u201d the release stated.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Detective Senior Sergeant Andrew Saunders<\/strong> explained in the release that officers have been working in steep and uneven terrain in order to document the conditions of the area. \u201cIt\u2019s a very grim, dimly-lit area, surrounded by dense bush. The tent was well covered and dry,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Valerie Bertinelli Reveals How Journaling Has Helped Her Over the Last Several Months<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cWe 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,\u201d Saunders added.<\/p>\n 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<\/a><\/em>.<\/p>\n Oranga Tamariki and Wh\u0101nau Services Regional Commissioner Waikato and Bay of Plenty Warwick Morehu<\/strong> recently shared an update<\/a> about how the kids are doing. \u201cI can confirm the children had a settled night, they are doing well under the circumstances and engaging with the staff supporting them,\u201d Morehu said in a statement obtained by People<\/a><\/em> on Tuesday, September 9.<\/p>\n Morehu added, \u201cGoing 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.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe are joined up with our partner agencies across the children\u2019s system to respond to those needs,\u201d he continued. \u201cWe have clinical professionals who\u2019ve 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.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n