New Zealand dad shot dead by police after years on the run with children

A father who had been on the run with his three children in New Zealand's wilderness for nearly four years has been shot dead by police.

2025-09-08 13:05:01 - VI News Staff

Tom Phillips, who disappeared with his children in late 2021, had evaded capture despite a nationwide search and multiple sightings over the years.

The case had gripped the country and remains one of New Zealand's most enduring mysteries.

Phillips was killed in a shoot-out around 02:30 (14:30 GMT Sunday) on Monday, in which a police officer was seriously injured, authorities said.


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