The emotional message reflects a deep concern for both Phillips and his children amidst ongoing custody disputes.
Fugitive Father Tom Phillips' Family Urges Him to Return With Kids
Fugitive Father Tom Phillips' Family Urges Him to Return With Kids
In a heartfelt appeal, the family of Tom Phillips, who vanished with his three children in New Zealand nearly four years ago, is urging him to come home.
Tom Phillips, a father who has been evading authorities in New Zealand with his three children since December 2021, is the subject of an emotional plea from his family for his return. The case centers around a custody battle that led Phillips to abduct Ember, 9, Maverick, 10, and Jayda, 12, and seek refuge in the wilderness of the North Island. This past October marked the first confirmed sighting of the family since their disappearance, when teens captured a video of them navigating the rugged terrain.
Phillips' mother expressed her sorrow, stating, "Everyday I wake up and hope that today will be the day that you all come home," while sister Rozzi offered support, emphasizing the love awaiting them should they return. She recalled instances where she believed Tom would have constructed a makeshift shelter in the bush to protect his children.
Authorities believe Phillips took his children after losing legal custody and estimate they have been living clandestinely in the Waitomo region. A sense of urgency surrounds the search, as a NZ$80,000 (£37,200) reward has been announced for any leads regarding their location. Sightings remain sporadic; a notable encounter last October showed Phillips leading his children, dressed in camouflage, through Marokopa’s wilderness. Following this, law enforcement launched an extensive, albeit unsuccessful, three-day search.
Phillips faces a warrant for arrest related to a bank robbery in Te Kuiti and has been cautioned as potentially armed. Police have suggested he may be receiving assistance in evading capture, intensifying concerns for his children’s welfare and safety as the search continues.
Phillips' mother expressed her sorrow, stating, "Everyday I wake up and hope that today will be the day that you all come home," while sister Rozzi offered support, emphasizing the love awaiting them should they return. She recalled instances where she believed Tom would have constructed a makeshift shelter in the bush to protect his children.
Authorities believe Phillips took his children after losing legal custody and estimate they have been living clandestinely in the Waitomo region. A sense of urgency surrounds the search, as a NZ$80,000 (£37,200) reward has been announced for any leads regarding their location. Sightings remain sporadic; a notable encounter last October showed Phillips leading his children, dressed in camouflage, through Marokopa’s wilderness. Following this, law enforcement launched an extensive, albeit unsuccessful, three-day search.
Phillips faces a warrant for arrest related to a bank robbery in Te Kuiti and has been cautioned as potentially armed. Police have suggested he may be receiving assistance in evading capture, intensifying concerns for his children’s welfare and safety as the search continues.
