Tom Phillips, who had been evading authorities in New Zealand alongside his three children since December 2021, was fatally shot by police during a confrontation over an armed burglary in Piopio.

Law enforcement officers responding to the burglary engaged Phillips, who allegedly opened fire with a high-powered rifle, prompting police to return fire; they believe the man killed was Phillips pending formal identification.

Later that day, authorities located his children—aged 9 to 12—uninjured at a local campsite, though they had been exposed to freezing overnight temperatures.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon characterized the event as “sad and absolutely tragic,” reflecting national sorrow over the outcome.

In a statement to RNZ, the children’s mother said she was relieved the ordeal had ended but deeply saddened by the tragic circumstances, as reported by The Guardian.