The mother of three children who disappeared with their fugitive father three years ago is now deeply worried for their safety after the family was spotted in New Zealand last week. Cat Phillips, the children's mother, believes her daughter might have subtly reached out for help during an encounter with teenage hunters on a remote coastal farm near Marokopa on October 3.
Tom Phillips, along with his children – Jayda (11), Maverick (9), and Ember (8) – vanished in September 2021. Initially wanted for minor charges, Tom's case escalated after he was connected to a bank robbery in May 2023. Despite extensive search efforts, the family has remained hidden. Their most recent sighting on October 3 was captured by a hunter, showing the family in a rural, isolated area.
The hunters described the group as wearing camouflage and carrying large backpacks, with Tom leading the way. One hunter had a brief conversation with Jayda, who responded, “Yeah… duh,” and suggested that no one else knew they were there. Cat believes this was a hidden plea for help, interpreting her daughter’s words as a question asking if anyone knew they were there or if help was coming.
“She’s trying to communicate without saying too much because her father is right there,” Cat explained, expressing her concerns. “She’s afraid of the consequences if she says the wrong thing.”
Following this sighting, authorities deployed helicopters, including military ones equipped with night vision. The police view the sighting as a promising lead, but Cat has voiced frustration with the delayed response from law enforcement, claiming they only contacted her a day after the footage emerged. “My children deserve a normal life, with friends and places like parks and McDonald’s,” she said, expressing her disappointment in the system’s handling of the case.
A reward of 80,000 New Zealand dollars has been offered for information leading to the children's safe return.
