A fugitive father, Tom Phillips, and his three children, Ember, Maverick, and Jayda, have been seen together for the first time in nearly three years in New Zealand. Phillips allegedly fled with his children following a dispute with their mother in Waikato. The group was spotted on Marokopa farmland in the Waikato region, with CCTV footage showing them attempting to break into a shop in Piopio.
Police have described the sighting as credible, with patrols and a search being launched to locate the group. Phillips does not have legal custody of the children, who have been reported missing multiple times in the past. Phillips’ mother and the children’s mother have expressed relief and happiness at the sighting, with the children’s mother recognizing her kids instantly and expressing relief at knowing they are alive.
A reward of $80,000 for information leading to the children’s safe return was announced by the New Zealand Police, although the offer expired before they were found. Police believe that Phillips and the children were being assisted by others and have urged those individuals to come forward with information. Despite the ongoing search efforts, the group has not been located, and police are focusing on ensuring the safe return of the children to their family.
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