Full timeline of events as dad who vanished into wilderness with kids is killed by police
Here is a full breakdown of the key events regarding the four-year disappearance of Tom Phillips and his children.
Earlier today (8 September), father-of-three Phillips was fatally shot after being confronted during an attempted armed robbery, leaving another police officer critically wounded.
One of Phillips' three children was present at the attempted burglary and was able to lead authorities back to the campsite where the other two children were located.
Here is a full timeline of events regarding the family's disappearance and key sightings over the years (per RNZ).
September 2021: First disappearance and camping trip
Phillips first became known to local law enforcement after he disappeared from the rural town of Marokopa, New Zealand, with his children on 11 September 2021.
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It's understood that he did not have legal custody of the children.
His car was later found abandoned at a local beach, leading police to suspect the family had been washed out to sea.
However, Phillips and his three children - Jayda, 12, Maverick, 10, and Ember, 9 - would later return home 19 days later, prompting authorities to charge the father with wasting police resources.
December 2021: Phillips disappears with his children
With a looming court appearance after his initial disappearance, Phillips once again packed up his children and headed out into the wilderness after a reported dispute with his ex-wife.
A warrant is issued for his arrest the following month, after he fails to appear in court over charges of wasting police time.
January 2022–2023: The search begins
Following the warrant for his arrest, police begin to search for Phillips and his children. It's understood that he was skilled in camping, hunting and surviving outdoors.
In March 2023, authorities revealed that Phillips had returned home to gather supplies, telling his family that the children were safe but not disclosing their location.
In December 2022, the children's family announced a NZ$10,000 (£4,384) reward for anyone able to help locate the siblings.
August 2023: First confirmed sighting
Police reveal that Phillips had been seen without his children in a 2003 Toyota Hilux car. This is later revealed to have been stolen.
September – November 2023: Second confirmed sighting and robbery charge
In September 2023, it was revealed that a warrant had been placed for Phillips' arrest after he was believed to have been involved in the armed robbery of a bank in Te Kūiti.
Two months later and he is seen attempting to break into a store with one of his children.
June 2024: Family issue new reward
Relatives of the Phillips children offer NZ$80,000 (£35,000) for any leads on the family, as well as immunity against prosecution.
Days later, the children's mother, Catherine, makes a public plea for her children to be returned safely.
October 2024: Third confirmed sighting
A major breakthrough is made when pig hunters spot Phillips and his children hiking through a remote farm in New Zealand. The group later recalled their conversation with the family, revealing they wanted to know if anyone else knew they were here.
This is the first confirmed sighting of Phillips with all three of his children. Renewed interest in the case prompts Phillips' parents to speak publicly, denying any involvement in the disappearance and urging police to leave their son alone.
August 2025: Shop break-in and family plea
On 29 August, authorities confirmed that Phillips and one of his children were caught on camera breaking into a shop in Piopio.
The owner of the store later told New Zealand broadcaster RNZ that milk was the only thing that was taken.
Earlier in the month (20 August), Phillips' sister Rozzi gave an interview appealing for him to return home, as well as sharing a letter that had been written to him by their mother (via Sky News).
"Tom, I feel really sad that you thought you had to do this, not considering how much we love you and could support you," the letter read.
"It hurts every time I see photos of the children and of you and see some of your stuff that is still here, thinking what could have been if you'd not gone away."
September 2025: Failed break-in and discovery
On 8 September, police confirmed that Phillips had been fatally shot following a failed burglary at a commercial building in the country's Waikato district. He was accompanied by one of his children, who was able to aid authorities in discovering the remaining children at the family camp.
The children were understood to have been 'co-operative' with police upon discovery, while their mother, Catherine, has also spoken of her relief at learning the siblings are now safe.
Topics: Crime, World News, Parenting
Brenna Cooper