Tom Phillips: Police release fresh photos of campsite where fugitive dad and kids were hiding
Police have released fresh photos of the site where fugitive father Tom Phillips and his three children were hiding, located just 200 metres from where the children were discovered on Monday.
Phillips was fatally shot by police during a gunfight after opening fire on an officer while raiding a small business in Piopio, on New Zealand’s North Island, in the early hours of Monday morning.
He had been on the run for nearly four years, having disappeared into the rugged Waikato wilderness with his children — Ember, nine, Maverick, 10, and Jayda, 12 — following a reported dispute with their mother in September 2021.
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“It’s a very grim, dimly lit area, surrounded by dense bush,” Detective Senior Sergeant Andrew Saunders told reporters.
He noted that the tent was well-covered and dry, and confirmed that police are examining several items found at the site.
New photos released by police show a makeshift camp containing a tent, a Jack Daniel’s box, rolls of chicken wire, a cooktop, a gas bottle, and multiple drink bottles.
However, authorities do not believe this was the primary location where Phillips and the children had been living throughout the four-year period.
“Based on the way it’s been set up, and other information we’ve received, we don’t believe it’s been the main place they’ve been living for the last four years,” Det. Sen. Serg. Saunders said.
“We believe they’ve moved here a number of months ago.”
He described the campsite conditions as cramped and unsanitary.
“It’s not a camping trip for a couple of nights. It’s very dirty, cramped conditions - not very nice for children.”
When asked if other hideouts may still be out there, Det. Sen. Serg. Saunders said police had always believed Phillips had “multiple sites”.
He also revealed that Phillips had received “outside help” during his time on the run, and announced a new operation to identify and locate those who assisted him.
The child who was with Phillips during the fatal police encounter has been confirmed as his eldest daughter, Jayda.
She later helped authorities locate her two younger siblings and also warned police about the presence of firearms at the campsite.
The children are now in the care of extended family. It is understood they have not been reunited with their mother, Cat, yet due to the complex situation, Stuff reports.
