Fugitive Father Shot Dead, Children Rescued After Years in the Wilderness

A man who spent four years on the run in New Zealand’s remote Waikato wilderness with his three young children was killed Monday in a shootout with police during an attempted burglary, as reported by The New York Post.

Authorities confirmed that the children — Jayda, 12, Maverick, 10, and Ember, 9 — have been found and are now in custody.

Tom Phillips disappeared with his children in December 2021 following a custody dispute with their mother, who had sole custody at the time.

FUGITIVE DAD SHOT DEAD AFTER 4 YEARS HIDING WITH KIDS IN THE WILD

Tom Phillips, who vanished with his three kids in 2021, was killed in a shootout after police spotted him fleeing a farm shop break-in.

One officer was shot in the head but survived.

Phillips was taken down,… pic.twitter.com/kmwvBoxsL5

— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) September 8, 2025

Their whereabouts remained unknown until October 2024, when hunters in the Waikato region reported seeing the group wearing masks and carrying packs while moving through the forest.

This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year

Police said they were called to a rural farm supply store in Piopio around 2:30 a.m. Monday after reports of a burglary. “Information came to police that described two people on a quad bike, dressed in farm clothing and wearing headlamps,” Deputy Commissioner Jill Rogers said.

According to authorities, officers laid down spikes to stop the vehicle, which veered off course before coming to a halt. Phillips, who was driving, then allegedly opened fire at close range.

Officers returned fire, killing Phillips at the scene. Police attempted to administer first aid, but he did not survive.

One officer sustained critical injuries after being struck in the head and shoulder. He was transported to a hospital and underwent surgery.

#BREAKING (UPDATE): Tom Phillips, who disappeared into remote Waikato bush in 2021 with his three children, has been shot dead in a shootout with @nzpolice https://t.co/dUzVATI5cS#BreakingNews pic.twitter.com/I5gzCJDGh4

— Video Forensics (@Video_Forensics) September 8, 2025

Jayda was found at the site along with firearms, while Maverick and Ember were located later in the day at a nearby campsite. Police said Jayda provided vital information that helped officers track her siblings. The two younger children were rescued around 4:30 p.m. Monday.

“This has been a deeply traumatic incident this morning for those involved. It has been confronting and challenging in a small, rural, isolated location,” Rogers said.

The children’s mother, identified only as Cat, released a statement through RNZ expressing both relief and sadness. “Our hope has always been that the children could be returned in a peaceful and safe way for everyone involved,” she said.

“They have endured a long and difficult journey, and we ask for privacy as we help them adjust and reintegrate into a stable and loving environment.”

Police noted that Phillips had previously been linked to thefts of quad bikes and camping equipment, including headlamps. Authorities also said the manhunt had been hindered for years by the rugged Waikato terrain, which includes dense forests and farmland.

Law enforcement had repeatedly offered rewards for information leading to Phillips’ capture. Despite occasional sightings, efforts were unsuccessful until Monday’s events brought the long-running case to a close.

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of LifeZette. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.