Wanted fugitive who disappeared with his three children into the wilderness resurfaces after three years – will they ever safely return?

After three years of searching, Tom Phillips, a New Zealand father who disappeared into the wilderness with his three children following a dispute with their mother, has been spotted along with his children in a recent “credible” sighting. This breakthrough comes as a relief for their mother, Cat Phillips, and Phillips’ extended family, who have been uncertain about the children’s safety since they vanished.

Background on the Disappearance

In 2020, Phillips and his children, Ember, Maverick, and Jayda—then all under ten—disappeared, sparking a manhunt. Following their disappearance, Phillips was initially sought on charges related to the alleged abduction. His situation grew more complex a year later when he was accused of robbing a bank and firing at a supermarket employee, leading to a second arrest warrant. Despite various leads, previous sightings had been inconclusive, with only one child observed, raising questions about the others’ welfare.

The Recent Sighting

The recent sighting occurred when a group of pig hunters encountered Phillips and all three children on remote farmland in New Zealand. The hunters recorded a video that shows Phillips and the children wearing camouflage clothing and carrying large backpacks. In the brief interaction, the children reportedly asked the hunters if anyone knew their location, after which Phillips told them to keep moving. The hunters immediately alerted the police, who confirmed the report as credible and urged nearby residents to report any suspicious activity.

Family Reactions and Continued Search Efforts

This sighting has provided much-needed reassurance to the children’s mother and Phillips’ mother, Julia. “We’re so relieved to see all three of my babies alive,” Cat said, according to The Guardian. Julia echoed this relief, expressing her hope for her grandchildren’s safe return, though she admitted they had been uncertain about the children’s condition.

The search is ongoing, with New Zealand authorities offering an $80,000 reward for any information leading to Phillips’ arrest and the children’s safe return. Authorities have committed substantial resources to the effort and continue to monitor reports closely, expressing their determination to bring this long and difficult case to a safe conclusion.