Fugitive Father Killed in Shootout with Police After 4-Year Manhunt

On September 8, 2025, a dramatic end unfolded to a years-long manhunt in New Zealand. Tom Phillips, a man who had evaded authorities with his three children for nearly four years, was shot and killed by a police officer during a confrontation.

The saga began in December 2021 when Phillips and his children, now aged 9, 10, and 11, disappeared from their remote rural settlement in Marokopa. Despite extensive searches, credible sightings of the family were rare, and they were believed to have remained in the densely forested area near their home.

In a shocking turn of events, Phillips was located on September 8, 2025, after he allegedly robbed an agricultural supplies store in a small town. During the confrontation with police, a officer was shot in the head and critically injured. Tragically, Phillips was killed in the exchange of gunfire.

The fate of two of Phillips' children remains unknown, as authorities hold serious concerns for their wellbeing. One child was taken into custody and is cooperating with the investigation. Phillips did not have legal custody of the children, and they had been deprived of formal education and healthcare since their disappearance.

The case has captivated New Zealanders for years, with authorities making numerous unsuccessful appeals for information. A large reward was offered last year, but it was never claimed. The children's mother has expressed relief that the "ordeal" has ended, and she looks forward to welcoming her children home with love and care.