Police believe ‘grim’ new photos of campsite where father hid children proves one major detail

New Zealand police on Tuesday released photos of a newly discovered second campsite where fugitive Tom Phillips had been hiding with his children, and it proves a key detail regarding the case.

Tom Phillips vanished in 2021 with his three children — Jayda, eight; Maverick, seven; and Ember, five at the time. The disappearance prompted an extensive investigation by police.

On Monday, September 8, authorities announced that Phillips was shot and killed in a shootout with police in Marokopa, a small town on the west coast of New Zealand’s Waikato region.

Authorities received a call about a break-in at a small farm supply shop in the early hours of the morning. When they arrived, they were met by Phillips and one of his children, on quad bikes, and gunfire broke out.

Tom Phillips disappeared with his children in 2021 (New Zealand Police)

One police officer was shot in the head and critically injured. A second officer responded to the gunfire.

Phillips was pronounced dead at the scene, and the child who was with him was taken into custody. After a search, police later found Phillips’ other two children safe.

Police released new photos of a second campsite where the father is believed to have hid with his children after vanishing four years ago.

The second campsite, located 200 metres from the first, features a kitchen setup and a designated sleeping area.

At a press conference on September 10, Detective Senior Sergeant Andrew Saunders stated that authorities believe Tom Phillips received help from others, and police intend to 'hold those responsible accountable'. He noted that investigators are still gathering evidence to identify those involved. Items discovered at the campsite support the theory that Phillips had help. Saunders confirmed these items would be collected and examined to determine whether they were obtained through burglaries or provided by accomplices.

The police found a second campsite (New Zealand police)

Mr Saunders also said that they don’t believe the campsite was the ‘main place where they had been living for the last four years’.

It's suspected Phillips was receiving outside help during his time on the run, New Zealand police said.

“We are currently looking at a number of items at the site. Aside from the burglaries we are now able to link to Tom, it is apparent that he had outside help,” Saunders explained.

“As the investigation has been going on, we’ve always suspected Tom Phillips has been receiving help,” he said.

“We think it’s absolutely important that we continue to look for those people that have been supporting Tom Phillips and hold them accountable.”

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