There has been no trace of three children in New Zealand for three years. Their father kidnapped them in 2021 and has been living with them in hiding in the outback ever since. Now there was the first sign of life for the little one: wild boar hunters spotted the four in the Waikato wilderness.
Tom Philipps (37) went into hiding in December 2021 due to a custody dispute and an upcoming court case – and kidnapped all his children into the New Zealand bush. Now for the first time there are photos of the missing people – a relief for mother Cat, who was able to see Jayda (11), Maverick (9) and Ember (8) for the first time in three years.
This post shows a photo of the spotted group of four:
Children carried heavy luggage and camouflage clothing
Two teenage hunters spotted the group, dressed in camouflage colors and almost blending in with the surroundings. The two even had a brief conversation. The kids asked, ‘Does anyone else know we’re here?’” one of the two hunters told the New Zealand Herald. “Then they just moved on. They were all heavily packed and carrying large bags. I think the father pushed them.” They would have looked healthy and well fed.
However, the hunters did not dare to confront the armed Philipps, but reported the encounter to the police. However, when emergency services arrived in the forest, there was no trace of the group of four.
Philipps robbed a supermarket and a bank
The father is a farmer, an experienced hunter and camper – so he can apparently find his way in the bush. However, he is said to have returned to civilization every now and then. Two years after his escape, police say, he robbed a convenience store and shot the cashier. A few months later he robbed a bank and fled with an accomplice on a black motorcycle. Given its size, it could be one of the children.
Mother: Find “a size too big for the police”
The mother was relieved to have seen her children again, at least on video footage, but is also disappointed that police were unable to find the four after the sighting. “I really thought they were coming home this time,” Cat explained. She expressed fear that the search for her children would be “too big for the police.”
Does Dad have helpers near his hideout?
For them, what the father does to the children is child abuse. She assumes Philipps will get help; After all, he grew up in the Marokopa community, even though he went into hiding. “One hundred percent, someone will help them. “Someone is taking care of them or accidentally leaving things in an easily accessible place,” the mother is convinced
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
