UPDATE: A dramatic encounter in Waikato, New Zealand, has resulted in the death of fugitive father Tom Phillips, who had been evading authorities for nearly four years with his three young children. The incident unfolded early on September 8, 2025, when police responded to an alarm at a remote property and a man attempted to flee on a quad bike with one child.
Officials report that police deployed spikes to stop the vehicle, only for the first officer to approach to be met with gunfire at close range, resulting in a serious head injury. Acting Deputy Police Commissioner Jill Rogers confirmed that a second patrol unit arrived shortly thereafter and engaged Phillips, who died at the scene. A child was rescued, but authorities are urgently searching for Phillips’ other two children: Ember, 9, and Maverick, 10, alongside their 12-year-old sister, Jayda.
This incident marks the culmination of a lengthy manhunt that began in December 2021, after Phillips took his children amid a custody dispute. His family had been residing in the dense bushland of Waikato, and authorities had previously offered a reward for information leading to their whereabouts.
During a press conference, Deputy Commissioner Rogers expressed the emotional weight of the situation:
“This is devastating news for Tom Phillips’ family and is the outcome that nobody wanted.”
The lone child recovered from the scene is currently receiving comprehensive support services.
The urgency of this operation has heightened, as police have serious concerns for the safety of the remaining children. Phillips’ family had made appeals for him to surrender, emphasizing the love and support available for him and the children. His sister, Rozzi Phillips, reached out to him just a month ago, urging him to return home:
“I miss you, and I miss being part of your life, and I really want to see you and the kids and be part of your lives again.”
As authorities continue their search for Ember and Maverick, the community remains on high alert. This tragic event highlights the profound impact of familial disputes and the lengths to which individuals may go in desperate circumstances.
The police investigation is ongoing, with multiple firearms recovered from the scene. Updates are expected as authorities work to ensure the safety of Phillips’ children and provide them with the necessary support. Stay tuned for further developments in this unfolding story.
