Featured Image Credit: New Zealand Police
Topics: News, World News
Gerrard Kaonga
Police have released more details after Tom Phillips was shot and killed and his missing children were taken into custody.
Jayda, 12, Maverick, 10, and Ember, nine, were taken from their family home in 2021 after Phillips reportedly lost a custody battle with their mother, Cat.
Police confirmed that the father had been shot and killed after a gun battle erupted after he was discovered on September 8.
Police responded to an attempted burglary at a farm supply store in Piopio, where they were met with gunfire after approaching one of two quad bikes that spikes had caught on the road.
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Authorities say that the first officer was shot in the head, leaving them in critical condition, while a second officer responded to the gunfire, leading to the shooter's death at the scene.
Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police Jill Rogers said that one of the missing children was with him at the time, but was unharmed.
The other two children were later found and police have given details regarding their interaction with authorities.
They explained that officers entered into negotiations with the children before they came into their custody.
While there have been reports that one of Phillip’s children was holding a gun when they were approached by officers, authorities haven't confirmed this.
Detective Senior Sergeant Andrew Saunders said: “There was a negotiation which commenced with the children, and that proceeded, and they came out.”
The other two children that were discovered were also unharmed and were found at a remote campsite and at the time were taken for medical checks.
Rogers said the children had been 'cooperating' with officials since being discovered, and it is not clear yet whether they are aware of Phillips' death.
The children’s mother, Cat, issued a statement after it was confirmed that Phillips was shot and that her children were found safe.
She said: (via RNZ): “First and foremost, we are deeply relieved that for our tamariki (children) this ordeal has come to an end. [The children] have been dearly missed every day for nearly four years, and we are looking forward to welcoming them home with love and care.
"At the same time, we are saddened by how events unfolded today. Our hope has always been that the children could be returned in a peaceful and safe way for everyone involved."