Phillips went into hiding with his children in December 2021 and was killed on Monday in a shoot-out with police on a remote country road in the Waikato area. A police officer Phillips shot with his high-powered rifle remains in hospital after multiple surgeries, including one to the head.
His eldest child, Jayda (12), was with him during the shooting, while her two younger siblings, Maverick (10) and Ember (9), were found at a bush camp just 2km from where Phillips was killed.
Yesterday, police released pictures of the newly discovered campsite that showed a kitchen and a sleeping area, about 200m away from where the young children were found in the first campsite
“It’s a very grim, dimly lit area, surrounded by dense bush. The tent was well covered and dry,” said detective senior sergeant Andrew Saunders.
“We are currently looking at a number of items at the site. Aside from the burglaries we are now able to link to Tom, it is apparent that he had outside help,” he added.
Police believe it to be Phillips’ main campsite for the last few months, but it was not the only place where they had been living for the past four years.
Police have launched a fresh investigation to determine whether Phillips received any assistance. Items recovered from the campsite will be examined to establish whether they are connected to burglaries or were bought on his behalf.
The campsite contained items used for cooking
“We think it’s absolutely important that we continue to look for those people that have been supporting Tom Phillips and hold them accountable,” Dt Sgt Saunders said.
The new campsite hidden in dense bushland, partially concealed by ferns, is a rudimentary shelter built using wooden poles and black plastic sheeting. Scattered belongings inside the shelter included camping gear, cooking utensils, a plastic stool and buckets.
The tent found in Tom Phillips’s second campsite
Today’s News in 90 Seconds, Thursday, September 11
A closer photo showed a white gas cylinder and a portable stove, along with tools, containers, and various household items. It appeared to be a semi-permanent set-up, stocked with supplies that appeared more extensive than a typical short-term camp. Police said the campsite was “very dirty”, cramped, and not very nice for children.
All three children have been reunited and are in child protective custody of the police. Their mother, known only as Cat, told local media she is yet to be informed about a possible meeting with her children. (© The Independent)