Marokopa Children Found Safe After Father Killed in Police Shooting

Three children from Marokopa—Jayda (12), Maverick (10), and Ember (9)—have been safely located at a remote campsite following the tragic death of their father, Tom Phillips, in a police shooting. The children were found unharmed shortly after 4:30 pm near the Te Anga and Waipuna Rds intersection and are now undergoing medical checks as part of their care.

The incident began early on the morning of the shooting, when police were called to a commercial address in Piopio following reports of a burglary. Tom Phillips was identified as a suspect based on descriptions provided by the caller, and a manhunt ensued. Phillips was eventually cornered on a quad bike, and the situation quickly escalated into an armed stand-off with police.

During the confrontation, Phillips fired multiple shots at a first responding officer, who was critically injured. The officer was later transported to a hospital for treatment. Phillips was shot by police and died at the scene. According to Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police Jill Rogers, one of the children was present at the scene and provided crucial information that led to the discovery of the remaining siblings.

Rogers confirmed that the children were found safely at the campsite and are now being supported by Oranga Tamariki, the child welfare agency. The children have been described as cooperative and are currently being reintegrated into a stable environment under the care of their mother, Cat Phillips.

Cat Phillips expressed relief that the ordeal has come to an end and that her children are safe. She emphasized the family's need for privacy as they work through the emotional and psychological challenges of the situation. The family has also requested that the public respect their space during this difficult time.

The police have not yet released further details about the investigation into the burglary, but it is clear that the incident has raised important questions about the circumstances that led to the confrontation and the handling of the situation by both the police and the suspect.

As the community mourns the loss of Tom Phillips and begins to support the affected children and their family, the incident serves as a sobering reminder of the complex and often tragic consequences that can arise from such high-stakes encounters between law enforcement and individuals in crisis.