New Zealand fugitive Tom Phillips shot dead by police, kids rescued unharmed

Three children of the New Zealand fugitive father, who disappeared in the wilderness, have been rescued after their father was killed in a police shootout.

Hours after the shootout, the children named Jayda, 12, Maverick, 10, and Ember, 9, were found safe by New Zealand police.

Jill Rogers, the acting deputy police commissioner, shared the news with reporters, saying, “Tom Phillips was shot dead by police on a Waitomo rural road.”

Providing details about the operation, Rogers said the fugitive was accompanied by one of his children when he opened fire, critically injuring one of the police officers, stating, “He was shot dead in the counter fire.”

She continued, “It is an absolute relief that the children are safe and receiving care after four years. Every person involved in this case has had the welfare of the children at heart.”

Since the high profile search operation ended in a fatal shooting, the New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon declared it a “sombre day” for the country.

In a post-Cabinet press conference on Monday, Luxon noted, “We're used to seeing these stories from other parts of the world, but not here in New Zealand, and it's certainly a very sad and tragic day.”

The formal identification is yet to be completed, however, the police believe that they killed the fugitive who was on run since December 2021.

The mother of three children expressed joy over the rescue of her children, saying, “We are looking forward to welcoming them home with love and care.”