For nearly four years, authorities have been searching for Tom Phillips and his three young children who disappeared in 2021. Recently, disturbing details have surfaced regarding their living conditions.
Phillips, along with his children Jayda, Maverick, and Ember aged eight, seven, and five at the time, was fatally shot by police in Marokopa, a small town in New Zealand’s Waikato region, following a failed burglary.
Investigations revealed that they were residing in a primitive camp hidden deep within the New Zealand bush. Despite being deemed unsuitable for children by law enforcement, Phillips was reportedly feeding them animal feed, including various types of maize typically used for livestock.
During the police encounter, Maverick Phillips, only ten years old, was found armed with a gun but eventually complied with officers’ instructions to drop the weapon. The campsite’s location, characterized by rugged terrain and dense vegetation, made it challenging to locate.
Authorities suspect that the camp was temporary, indicating that the family may have had assistance from others and frequently relocated. Detective Senior Sergeant Andrew Saunders described the area as secluded and difficult to access, emphasizing the complex environment chosen by the family.
Following Phillips’ disappearance from the Marokopa family farm in 2017, Acting Deputy Commissioner Jill Rogers confirmed that the children were physically unharmed, but their psychological well-being was a priority.
While the children have been found and are safe, their mental recovery journey has just begun, with their current location and well-being kept confidential. The scene of their discovery is under forensic examination, and efforts are underway to support the family through this challenging time.
The children’s mother, known as Cat, expressed a mix of relief and sadness over the outcome, stating that the ordeal had been agonizing for nearly four years. She eagerly anticipates reuniting with her children and providing them with love and care, despite the sorrowful circumstances surrounding their return.