New Zealand’s acting deputy police commissioner, Jill Rogers, stated at a press briefing that they believe the deceased man was Thomas Phillips. His relatives confirmed the news to local media outlets.
During the confrontation, a police officer was critically injured after being shot in the head. A second officer then arrived and shot Phillips, who died at the scene.
Though one child who was with Phillips at the time of the confrontation is in custody and assisting the authorities, the whereabouts of the other two children remain unknown. The police are concerned for the children’s safety and are currently focusing on finding them.
In August, Phillips’ family made an appeal for him to come home. For the first time, they directly addressed Phillips hoping he would see their message and understand that they were there for him.
The children’s mother expressed relief, stating that the children have been missed every day for almost four years and that she looks forward to welcoming them home with love and care.
It has been reported that Phillips did not have legal custody of his children.
