On 11 September 2021, Tom Phillips and his three children went missing for the first time. His vehicle was discovered on a beach near his parents' residence in Marokopa, prompting a massive search operation. Less than three weeks later, they returned home, claiming to have been camping.
However, the family vanished again on 12 December 2021, leading to a prolonged hunt that ended only recently. On Monday morning, police engaged in a shoot-out during an attempted burglary, resulting in Phillips' death, which concluded a four-year search.
Numerous questions linger regarding Phillips’ motivations for disappearing into the wilderness with his children, now aged 9, 10, and 12, and whether he evaded authorities with assistance. He had previously faced charges for misusing police resources, and the extensive search efforts by New Zealand authorities cost significant public funds.
Although sightings persisted over the years, including reported burglaries and a recent capture on CCTV attempting a robbery, the family's whereabouts remained largely mysterious. In a tragic outcome, the children were found safe after Phillips' death, and an investigation continues into the circumstances surrounding their survival and the support he may have received.
