The body of Marokopa fugitive father Tom Phillips has been released to his family, police said this afternoon,
Police examinations of the campsites believed to have been used by Phillips to conceal himself and his children are also expected to conclude tomorrow.
Police today also confirmed a postmortem was carried out on Phillips yesterday, and his body had been released to his family.
Detective inspector Daryl Smith said the investigation team had worked tirelessly in difficult conditions to examine the multiple scenes.
Tom Phillips was fatally shot by police after being called to reports of a burglary in the early hours of Monday morning, where a police officer was shot in the head and shoulder. Phillips had been evading police since December 2021 with his three children.
After four years on the run with his three children, Phillips was fatally shot by police and an officer was also seriously wounded. (Source: 1News)
1News will no longer show images of the Marokopa children. The photos were released publicly years ago when they went missing. Now they’ve been found, we’ve chosen to respect the children’s privacy and their delicate and complicated situation.
This afternoon, a High Court judge has extended a suppression order which was initially filed on Monday night, meaning the media were still prevented from sharing certain information about the case.
What was said during today’s hearing was also heavily suppressed.
Speaking on the investigation of the campsites, Smith said police staff had “spent three days canvassing the area, traversing some extremely difficult terrain, in dense bush”.
“An examination of the located sites is continuing today and is expected to be completed tomorrow.”
Scene guards would remain in place overnight, along with the cordons along Te Anga Rd.
“These cordons will be placed to ensure access to the local school tomorrow.”
Revealed: The communications that led to Police closing in on Tom Phillips – watch on TVNZ+
Smith acknowledged and thanked the locals in the area for their “patience and understanding” through the “period of disruption for them, especially the school for their cooperation this week”.
“Extra police staff deployed to the Marokopa and King Country areas remain in the district. Residents can expect to see an increased visible police presence while reassurance patrols are carried out.”
The officer injured on Monday night remained in Waikato Hospital.
A number of investigations were ongoing, and Phillips’ death has been referred to the coroner.
Police clarify position on documentary
Meanwhile, police have issued a statement to clarify its involvement with a documentary being made about the four-year saga.
Acting Deputy Commissioner Jill Rogers said it was important to note that the crew has never been given access to, or sought access to, the children.
“The agreement with police specifies that, beyond photos already in the media, the children will not be identified on screen. That applies unless there is written consent from both the children’s legal guardian and police.
“The children’s safety and wellbeing has always been front of mind, and all filming is required to comply with court orders and privacy laws.
“I appreciate the significant public interest in this case, but I am limited in what detail I can provide, given the ongoing investigations.”