New pictures present one of many makeshift camps the place a father-of-three hid along with his kids earlier than he was shot by police on Monday.
Tom Phillips had been on the run for practically 4 years, having vanished along with his two daughters and son – believed to be aged 9, 10, and 12 – on New Zealand’s North Island in December 2021.
Police on Monday confirmed Phillips had been shot useless throughout a confrontation, which additionally noticed one officer shot within the head and critically injured.
They’ve now launched images of one of many campsites the place Phillips and his kids have been hiding within the Waikato area.
Picture:
Pic: New Zealand Police
The woodland camp – discovered due to data from one of many kids – is round 2km from the place Phillips died, New Zealand Police mentioned.
The pictures present a quad bike and discarded delicate drink cans on the website. Officers additionally positioned a number of firearms within the space the place Phillips was tenting, the drive added.
Picture:
A quad bike additionally sits within the small clearing. Pic: New Zealand Police
Picture:
The dense woodland the place the camp is positioned. Pic: New Zealand Police
Performing Deputy Commissioner Jill Rogers mentioned: “Investigation workers are going over the areas the place the household had been staying, and have been talking with farmers, locals, and staff within the space.
“That work is to help us build an accurate picture of the movements of Tom Phillips and the children.”
Forensic workers are additionally on the website to assemble proof.
Picture:
Tom Phillips and his kids. Pic: New Zealand Police
Youngsters within the care of NZ authorities
Ms Rogers additionally shared an replace on the welfare of Phillips’ three kids.
She mentioned: “Our staff described the children as being engaged and they readily spoke with our staff, who provided them with snacks and drinks while they waited to be brought out of the campsite.
“Whereas they’re now within the care of Oranga Tamariki [the NZ Ministry for Children], we are going to proceed to work carefully with the youngsters, taking the time and sensitivity that’s wanted after the ordeal they’ve been via.”
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October 2024: Fugitive dad and kids noticed
The officer who was injured “has a long road to recovery”, the drive mentioned.
“We will be there to support him and his whanau [family] at every step,” they added.
“He is a dedicated and caring constable and represents the best of what it means to be a rural police officer.”
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Quite a few unsuccessful appeals have been made for data on Phillips through the years.
Sporadic surveillance footage confirmed him allegedly committing crimes – however there have been only a few in-person or concrete sightings.
He didn’t have authorized custody rights for his kids, a detective instructed reporters in 2024.
