New Zealand police have revealed chilling new photographs of a remote campsite believed to have been used by fugitive father Tom Phillips and his three children, who vanished without a trace more than four years ago.

Phillips disappeared in 2021 with his children—Jayda, Maverick, and Ember—then aged just eight, seven, and five. The case quickly gripped the nation, as the family seemed to have vanished into thin air, leaving behind unanswered questions and a desperate search effort.

On Monday, September 8, the mystery took a violent turn. Police reported that Phillips was k:illed in an exchange of gunfire with officers in Marokopa, a quiet coastal town in New Zealand’s Waikato region. Authorities said the confrontation began after a call about a burglary at a rural farm supply store in the early morning hours. When officers arrived, they encountered Phillips and one of his children riding quad bikes. Within moments, shots were fired.

One officer sustained a critical head injury, while another returned fire. Phillips was fatally struck at the scene. The child with him was taken into custody, and following a tense search, police later confirmed that the two remaining children had been found safe.

The following day, investigators released photographs of a hidden campsite believed to have served as a base for Phillips and his children during their years in hiding. A second campsite has also been identified, reinforcing suspicions that Phillips used multiple locations to avoid capture.

Detective Senior Sergeant Andrew Saunders described the site as extremely isolated and concealed deep within thick bushland. “It’s a very grim, dimly lit area, difficult to access and far from any sign of normal living conditions,” he told reporters. The tent, while dry and partially camouflaged, revealed harsh conditions. Among the items found were a makeshift shelter built from tree branches, a portable gas stove, gas bottles, and discarded containers, including gin and iced coffee bottles.

According to Saunders, the environment was “not very nice for children. This wasn’t a short camping trip—it was cramped, dirty, and deeply uncomfortable.” Investigators now believe Phillips had help from outsiders, as evidence suggests he could not have sustained such an existence entirely on his own.

Police also suspect that Phillips rotated between several campsites to stay hidden. “We believe there are multiple sites, and our team is continuing to locate and examine them,” Saunders confirmed.

The discovery is part of Operation Curly, the long-running police effort to track Phillips and ensure the safety of his children. Saunders expressed gratitude to all those involved in the case. “While no one wanted it to end under these circumstances, there is a sense of relief that the children have been safely returned,” he said.

The case leaves behind a haunting story of survival, secrecy, and the tragic downfall of a father who spent years on the run—while his children endured harsh, hidden conditions far from the lives they once knew.