Authorities have released the horrifying details of what happened.

Fugitive father **Tom Phillips**, who disappeared with his three children in 2021, has been killed during a shootout with police in New Zealand. Phillips had taken **Jayda, 12, Maverick, 10, and Ember, nine**, following a reported custody dispute with their mother, Cat.

Phillips first went missing in September 2021, briefly returning before being charged with wasting police resources. Nineteen months later, he vanished again with the children, prompting a nationwide search and multiple sightings, including a CCTV capture in August showing Phillips and one child allegedly breaking into a store in Piopio.

On September 8, police responded to an attempted burglary at a farm supply store in Piopio, where Phillips reportedly fired at officers after being intercepted. One officer was critically injured, while a second returned fire, fatally wounding Phillips. Authorities confirmed one child was present at the scene but unharmed. With assistance from that child, police located the other two siblings at a remote campsite. All three children have since undergone medical checks and are cooperating with authorities.

Phillips’ family had long appealed for his safe surrender. His mother, Julia, shared a handwritten note expressing her anguish and longing: *“Every day I wake up and hope that today will be the day that you all come home. Jayda, Maverick, Ember – I love you so much and really miss being part of your lives.”* His sister, Rozzi Phillips, also voiced hope for a reunion and explained that Phillips had likely been sheltering the children in the wilderness during their time on the run.

Acting Deputy Commissioner Jill Rogers confirmed the children’s safety but declined to comment on whether they are aware of their father’s death or who will assume custody. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Phillips’ disappearance and the events leading up to the fatal shootout.

After nearly four years of uncertainty, the children are finally safe. Cat expressed relief, while also acknowledging the tragic outcome of the police encounter, emphasizing the family’s priority is now ensuring her children can reintegrate into a stable and loving environment.