Brisbane, Australia
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The fugitive’s family, who has been hiding their three children in New Zealand’s dense wilderness for nearly four years, has spoken publicly for the first time since they disappeared.
Thomas Caram Phillips disappeared with his children in December 2021, and despite several sightings, seeking help and police searches, the family’s location remains unknown.
Police are seriously concerned about children, Ember, Maverick and Jada, who are thought to be 9, 10 and 12 years old, respectively. – Someone who had no contact with his mother as his father failed to bring them home.
In her first interview since her brother disappeared, Lotzi Phillips told New Zealand journalist Paddy Gower how much his family has missed him and hopes he will come back.
“I miss you and I miss being a part of your life,” she said, her voice breaking. “You’re very special to me… I really want to see you again.”
Lozzi Phillips also read a handwritten letter from her mother to her missing son.
According to a New Zealand news site, the letter states, “it hurts every time you see a picture of a child or yours.
“Jada, Maverick, Ember, I love you so much and I really missed being part of your life every day I wake up and hope that today will be the day you come,” it continued.
It is unclear whether his family’s appeal for help will reach Phillips. Phillips believes New Zealand police will use his survival skills to feed, evacuate and dress their children.
Her children disappeared in 2021. One man knows where they are
Police last June provided a New Zealand $80,000 ($52,000) reward, providing information that led to the location and safe returns.
Phillips is being sought for a series of crimes, including the May 2023 armed bank robbery.
New Zealand police later nominated Phillips as a suspect and said he was saved by a female accomplice. Both were said to be armed.
In November 2023, Phillips and an unnamed child also allegedly smashed the shop windows at 2am before escaping on a stolen quad bike. Phillips has also been seen on CCTV, covering his face and purchasing supplies from the hardware store.
“Tom knows he was spotted at a Waikato area retailer disguised in various masks,” police said in a statement at the time.
When contacted by CNN on Tuesday, New Zealand Police said there was no update on the police investigation.
Police and local government believe supporters are helping Phillips maintain.
Rozzi Phillips told Gower that he had not had contact with his brother since he disappeared.
I asked her why she was just saying it almost four years after she was the loss of her brother.
Last year, the mother of a child who identified the cat and herself brought emotional appeal to anyone who has information about the child’s whereabouts to call police.
“I’m standing here in front of you today and asking you for your help in bringing my baby home,” she said in a video posted to Facebook. “They’re just innocent kids.”
Of Jada, she said, “She’s now a young woman and she needs a mother.”
“Like me, Ember has asthma. She needs medical care that she can’t provide from the land. All she can do is imagine how Maverick is dealing with,” she added.
“What Thomas is doing isn’t alright,” she said. “None of these are ok. My baby is worth more.”
