The mum asks for privacy while her kids ‘re-integrate into a stable environment’ after years living off-grid with their bushman bank robber dad who took them on burglaries instead of school
The ex-wife of runaway father Tom Philips and mother of the three children he ran away with for years has spoken out after the kids were miraculously found safe and well after the dad was gruesomely shot dead.
Bushman Mr Phillips, 38, disappeared almost four years ago into the New Zealand wilderness with his three children in a case that has captured the minds of the nation, living off-grid after he lost custody. They were found at a campsite on Monday after the dad carried out a burglary.
Catherine, the mother, has released a statement following today’s shocking discovery. “We are deeply relieved this ordeal has come to an end. They have been dearly missed every day for nearly four years. We are looking forward to welcoming them home with love and care,” she said.
“At the same time, we are saddened by how events unfolded today. Our hope was also that the children could be returned in a safe way for everyone involved.”
A witness sounded the alarm on Monday afternoon after spotting two people in “farm clothing” raiding a rural supply store, reports the Mirror. The pair escaped by quad bike but were intercepted an hour later. Mr Philips opened fire on a police officer before being gunned down by another officer.
Catherine extended her thoughts to the police officer who was shot in the head this morning.
His injuries were survivable, New Zealand’s Acting Deputy Police Commissioner Jill Rogers told reporters, but he was shot “multiple times with a high-powered rifle” and further surgeries were expected.
“We express our heartfelt gratitude to the many people who have supported us over the last four years. Your compassion has sustained us,” Catherine added.
“We ask for privacy as we help [the children] to adjust and re-integrate into a stable and loving environment.”
The three children had no access to formal education or healthcare during the four-year disappearance. Surveillance footage repeatedly shows Mr Philips bringing the kids along to rob shops and banks. They were in remote bushland, but Phillips was said to be an expert bushman.
The discovery ends a manhunt that has gripped New Zealanders for the past few years. Questions are being asked about how he could evade police for so long before he met his gruesome end.
The case has fascinated New Zealanders and the world alike. Local authorities made regular appeals for information with little success.
Sightings of Mr Philips were limited to CCTV that showed him committing crimes, including an armed bank robbery in 2023.
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