A father who vanished three years ago with his three children has been linked to a bank robbery and remains at large. Tom Phillips and his children, Jayda (11), Maverick (9), and Ember (8), went missing from Marokopa, New Zealand, in December 2021.
Phillips is now wanted for questioning regarding an armed robbery at a Te Kuiti bank in September 2023. Police have advised the public not to approach him. CCTV footage from the incident shows a man on a motorcycle with a smaller accomplice, who police confirmed was a woman, both dressed in black.
Recently, a video emerged of Phillips and his children in camouflage gear on New Zealand’s North Island. Detective Inspector Andrew Saunders confirmed Phillips faces charges of aggravated robbery, wounding, and unlawful firearm possession.
WATCH: Missing fugitive New Zealand father Tom Phillips and his three children are spotted alive and well – three years after they vanished without a tracehttps://t.co/YyPK1u2wJ3 pic.twitter.com/mX8H67ZcjW
— Video Forensics (@Video_Forensics) October 9, 2024
In May, police appealed for information after two armed individuals robbed a bank on Rora Street, Te Kuiti, escaping on a black motorbike. Witnesses reported the robbers dropped money, which a woman picked up and called out to return, prompting one to retrieve it.
Unverified sightings of Phillips have surfaced since then. On October 3, footage showed Phillips and his children in camouflage, prompting a large but unsuccessful search.
The children’s mother, Catherine, expressed relief upon seeing the video, stating her happiness that all three children were alive. Inspector Saunders confirmed the sighting was credible and reassured the children’s wider family.
Phillips and his children initially disappeared in September 2021. After Phillips’ vehicle was found submerged at Kiritehere Beach, a search ensued, only for the family to reappear 18 days later, having camped in the bush. They vanished again in December 2021, and Phillips missed a court appearance in January 2022, leading to a warrant for his arrest.
In June, an $80,000 reward was offered for information on the children’s whereabouts, but it expired after eight weeks without results. Inspector Saunders suggested Phillips had assistance while on the run and offered immunity from prosecution for anyone providing information leading to the children’s safe return.
Catherine accused Phillips of endangering their children, emphasizing Ember’s need for medical care. She criticized Phillips’ actions, describing them as neglect and abuse. Catherine also reported seeing Phillips at Bunnings, a hardware store, in August last year and provided police with a photo of the car he was driving. CCTV footage from the store showed a man resembling Phillips entering with a shopping trolley.
What Other Media Are Saying
- The Guardian reports on the sighting of fugitive Tom Phillips and his three children living off the grid in New Zealand’s rugged wilderness after three years, sparking relief and renewed police efforts for their safe return.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Who is Tom Phillips?
Tom Phillips is a fugitive father from New Zealand, wanted for questioning over a bank robbery.
When did Tom Phillips and his children disappear?
Tom Phillips and his three children disappeared in December 2021.
What crime is Tom Phillips wanted for?
Tom Phillips is wanted for an alleged armed robbery of a bank in Te Kuiti in September 2023.
What did CCTV footage from the robbery show?
CCTV footage showed a man and a smaller accomplice, both dressed in black, escaping on a motorcycle.
What did the children’s mother say about the recent sighting?
The children’s mother, Catherine, said she is delighted and relieved to see all three of her children alive.