The mother of three children taken by their father four years ago has broken her silence after he was shot dead by police.<\/p>\n
Tom Phillips disappeared with his kids\u2014Jayda (12), Maverick (10), and Ember (9)\u2014in 2021 following an argument with their mother, Cat. The first suspected sighting in nearly a year came in August, when CCTV appeared to show Tom and one child breaking into a store in Piopio.<\/p>\n
Early on September 8, police responded to another break-in at a farm supply store in Piopio. When officers approached a quad bike, they came under fire. One officer was critically injured; another returned fire, killing the shooter. Though police have not formally identified him, Tom\u2019s sister confirmed it was her brother.<\/p>\n
One of the missing children was found at the scene, unharmed. With their help, authorities located the other two children at a remote campsite. All three are safe and undergoing medical checks.<\/p>\n
In a statement, their mother Cat said she was relieved the ordeal was over. \u201cThey have been dearly missed for nearly four years, and we look forward to welcoming them home with love and care,\u201d she said, also expressing sorrow at how events unfolded and sending love to the injured officer.<\/p>\n
She thanked the community for its support and asked for privacy as the family helps the children adjust and heal.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The mother of three children taken by their father four years ago has broken her silence after he was shot dead by police. Tom Phillips disappeared with his kids\u2014Jayda (12), Maverick (10), and Ember (9)\u2014in 2021 following an argument with their mother, Cat. The first suspected sighting in nearly a year came in August, when…<\/p>\n