Sister Urges Fugitive Brother to Return with Three Children

An emotional plea has emerged from the sister of a fugitive, urging her brother to return home with his three young children. Tom Phillips, who has been on the run for nearly four years, disappeared in 2021 with his children: Jayda, 12, Maverick, 10, and Ember, 9. Reports suggest he has been hiding in the remote wilderness of New Zealand’s Waikato region, but authorities have noted few confirmed sightings of the family.

Phillips, aged 38, is wanted for an armed robbery, specifically a bank heist. His whereabouts have prompted extensive searches by local authorities, who are now appealing to any potential accomplices to come forward and assist in locating him. The escalating urgency of the situation follows a recent incident where Phillips escaped from a hospital.

Rozzi Pethybridge, Phillips’ sister, has expressed profound concern for the welfare of her brother and the children. In a heartfelt message, she stated, “I miss you, and I miss being part of your life, and I really want to see you and the kids and be part of your lives again.” She emphasized her love for him, highlighting the emotional bond they share. The children have faced harsh conditions since their father’s disappearance, and Rozzi is urging him to surrender for their sake.

“The plea is a call for help, not just for Tom but for the kids,” Rozzi added. “There’s a lot of love and there’s a lot of support, and we’re ready to help you walk through what you need to walk through.” Her statements were made during an interview with New Zealand journalist Paddy Gower, marking her first public comments since the family’s vanishing.

A letter from their mother, Julia Pethybridge, has also been shared through local media, expressing her sadness over the family’s separation. In it, she conveyed the longing for connection and support, particularly for the children, stating, “Jayda, Maverick, Ember – I love you so much and really miss being part of your lives.”

Local law enforcement, led by Detective Senior Sergeant Andrew Saunders, appears to be shifting their approach in the search for Phillips. Following Rozzi’s public appeal, Saunders stated, “Let’s work out a negotiation, and let’s get everyone out of there safely.” He emphasized the willingness of the police to negotiate with anyone in communication with Phillips, aiming for a peaceful resolution.

Phillips had been estranged from his wife before the family’s disappearance and had reportedly been granted custody of his children, whom he was educating at home. His alleged criminal activities, including the theft of a motorbike and the armed robbery, have cast a shadow over his actions as a father.

As the search continues, the emotional toll on the family remains evident, and Rozzi’s heartfelt plea resonates as a desperate call for a return to normalcy for the children. The hope is that this public intervention will lead to a resolution for both Phillips and his children, who have endured significant challenges since leaving their home.