Fugitive Father Killed in Shootout, Children Rescued After Years in Wilderness
A fugitive father, who hid his three children in the wilderness for nearly four years, was killed in a police shootout following a suspected supply store break-in, with authorities recovering three guns and suspecting outside assistance.
Overview
- Police responded to a suspected break-in at a supply store, which ultimately led them to a fugitive father who had been hiding his children.
- The fugitive father, who had kept his three children concealed in the wilderness for nearly four years, was killed during a subsequent police shootout.
- Authorities recovered three firearms at the scene of the shootout, where the third child was found with the deceased fugitive father.
- The discovery of the third child and the circumstances surrounding the supply store break-in suggest the fugitive received outside assistance.
- This incident concludes a nearly four-year period during which the father evaded authorities while keeping his children hidden in remote locations.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame this story by consistently portraying Tom Phillips as a criminal and a danger, emphasizing his fugitive status and violent actions. They prioritize official police narratives and highlight the negative impact on the children, while briefly acknowledging but quickly dismissing any public support for Phillips through authoritative counter-quotes.
"The case divided New Zealand and Phillips found supporters online and among residents of the settlement of Marokopa, population 40, where he had lived."
ABC NewsArticles (4)
FAQ
Tom Phillips was a fugitive father from New Zealand who disappeared with his three young children into the Waikato wilderness in December 2021 following a custody dispute with their mother, who had sole custody.
Police responded to a suspected break-in at a supply store in Piopio, New Zealand, where Phillips was caught in a shootout and killed. One of the children was with him at the scene, and the other two were also safely recovered. Three firearms were found during the incident.
Authorities suspect Tom Phillips received outside assistance during his nearly four years hiding in the wilderness, as suggested by the circumstances around a supply store break-in linked to Phillips, but details about the nature or sources of this help remain unclear.
In September 2023, Tom Phillips was charged with aggravated robbery and unlawful possession of a firearm after allegedly robbing a bank and shooting at a supermarket worker earlier that year. The police also offered rewards and legal immunity for information leading to the children's safe recovery.
After rescue, the three children are now in care, receiving support to reintegrate into a stable and loving environment. Their mother expressed relief and requested privacy as they adjust following nearly four years in hiding with their father.
History
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