New Zealand Police Locate Fugitive Tom Phillips' Missing Children

Tom Phillips, a fugitive from New Zealand, was fatally shot by police during a confrontation following a failed robbery attempt in Waitomo, ending a nearly four-year search for him and his children who had been living in isolation since a custody dispute in 2021. Specialist police found two of his children unharmed in bushland near the shooting site, while the whereabouts of the other two remain unknown, prompting ongoing search efforts amid serious concerns for their welfare. One child was with Phillips at the time of the shooting and is cooperating with authorities, receiving wraparound support. Acting Deputy Commissioner Jill Rogers emphasized the emotional relief of locating the children but highlighted the long recovery ahead and declined to confirm rumors of an additional missing baby. Police Commissioner Richard Chambers praised the officers' efforts amid a high-risk situation and noted an injured officer is in critical condition following the incident. The prolonged ordeal has deeply affected the children’s family, with the mother describing the years of separation as a living nightmare.