New Zealand police are treating the makeshift campsite where a fugitive and his three young children were found after almost four years on the run as a crime scene. The fugitive, identified as Tom Phillips, had been evading authorities since December 2021 following a custody dispute with the children’s mother.
The police discovered the camp deep in the bush in the Waikato region of New Zealand’s North Island. Two of Phillips’ children, Jayda, 12, and Maverick, 10, were located at the site, while the third child was found with Phillips about a mile away. Unfortunately, Phillips was killed in a shootout with the police during a burglary gone wrong, resulting in a serious injury to a police officer.
The campsite, described as squalid by a local property owner, was well-hidden in dense bushland, making it difficult to locate. The police believe it was a temporary location and that the family had been moving around with possible assistance from others. The discovery of the children came after a call reporting an attempted burglary, leading to a confrontation that ended with Phillips’ death.
Acting Deputy Commissioner Jill Rogers confirmed that the children were unharmed but emphasized the importance of their mental well-being. The authorities are focusing on the children’s recovery and have secured the scene for forensic examination. The mother of the children expressed relief that the ordeal had ended but also sadness over the circumstances.
The police will continue their investigation into the case, acknowledging the challenges ahead but expressing gratitude that the children are now safe. The family is eagerly anticipating the children’s return home, emphasizing the desire for a peaceful and safe resolution after years of uncertainty.