Fugitive Father Tom Phillips Shot Dead by Police After Four-Year Manhunt
New Zealand fugitive Tom Phillips, on the run for four years with his children, was fatally shot by police after an armed standoff that critically injured an officer. His three children were found safe.
Subscribe to unlock this story
We really don't like cutting you off, but you've reached your monthly limit. At just $5/month, subscriptions are how we keep this project going. Start your free 7-day trial today!
Get StartedHave an account? Sign in
Overview
- New Zealand father Tom Phillips, who had been evading authorities with his three children for nearly four years since December 2021, was fatally shot by police.
- The fatal encounter occurred after Phillips opened fire on officers from his bushland hideout in the Waitomo/Waikato region, critically injuring one police officer during the standoff.
- Police discovered multiple firearms and ammunition at Phillips' remote campsite, hidden in dense bush, confirming his armed presence during the four-year evasion.
- Two of Phillips' children were found safe at the campsite hours after the shootout, with police locating Phillips with the crucial assistance of the third child.
- The children's mother expressed relief that the long ordeal had concluded, while also conveying sadness regarding the tragic fatal outcome for Tom Phillips.
Report issue
Read both sides in 5 minutes each day
Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover the story neutrally, detailing the police investigation into how Tom Phillips and his children evaded detection for years. They present the sequence of events, official statements, and background on Phillips's past actions with an objective tone, avoiding loaded language or overt editorial bias. The reporting focuses on facts and the children's welfare.
"The case divided New Zealand and Phillips found supporters online and among residents of the settlement of Marokopa, population 40, where he had lived."
Associated Press"The children are "doing well", but will take time to recover from the ordeal."
BBC News"Phillips was killed in a shoot-out around 02:30 (14:30 GMT Sunday) on Monday, in which a police officer was seriously injured, authorities said."
BBC News"The children's mother issued a statement to Radio New Zealand on Monday in which she said she was "deeply relieved" that the "ordeal" for her children had ended."
CBS News"The whereabouts of Phillips' other two children was unknown and authorities held serious concerns for them, Rogers said."
ABC News"Authorities feared for the children’s safety and said they had not had access to formal education or health care since their disappearance."
Associated PressArticles (14)
Center (6)
FAQ
Tom Phillips was a New Zealand father who disappeared with his three children in December 2021 after a dispute with their mother. He became a fugitive while evading police, reportedly involved in a bank robbery in 2023, and was hiding in remote areas of the Waikato region until his death in 2025.
Tom Phillips’ location was discovered after an armed standoff in bushland near Waitomo/Waikato, assisted by information from one of his children. The police found the children safe at the campsite and then engaged Phillips, who opened fire and was fatally shot by police.
During the standoff, Tom Phillips opened fire on police officers from his bushland hideout, critically injuring one officer. In response, the police fatally shot Phillips. Multiple firearms and ammunition were found at his campsite.
All three children were found safe at or near the campsite after the shootout. Police and authorities are now piecing together how they survived four years in isolation with their father. The children's mother expressed relief mixed with sadness over the outcome.
Police are conducting forensic investigations at the bush campsite and gathering evidence related to Tom Phillips' movements and activities over the four years. They are also engaging with local farmers, residents, and workers to build a full picture of the case.
History
- 9d4 articles
- 9d
5 articles