In New Zealand, a father who had been hiding in the forest with his children for four years was shot dead.

Camp for the Fugitive Found with Children

According to The Sun: Shocking photos from a remote camp were published in Australia, where police discovered the fugitive 'Bushman' along with his children.

Thomas Phillips, who had been on the run with his three children - Amber (9), Maverick (10), and Jayda (12) - for almost four years, was found dead in western Waikato, New Zealand, on Monday.

The fugitive was arrested when a witness saw him with his older daughter Jayda during a shoplifting incident at a rural supply store.

When they attempted to flee on an ATV, police stopped them. During the arrest, gunfire erupted, resulting in Phillips' death, while his two younger children were found at a camp in Waikato.

Police released photos of the horrific camp, showing ATVs hidden among the trees, dirty blankets, and two cans of Sprite on one of the wheels. Nearby was a large container that likely served as fuel.

The area was littered with bottles, cut logs, and a piece of tarpaulin.

A boat was also found with a hidden arsenal of weapons and ammunition, and law enforcement harshly criticized Phillips for endangering his children.

Police Commissioner Richard Chambers noted that the site was 'not easy to find,' adding that while it seemed they had been living there, Phillips and his children 'were very mobile.'

Chambers also stressed that the investigation would take 'months' and would include checking how the father gained access to firearms.

Law enforcement is actively searching for possible accomplices of Phillips.

Long Search

Phillips disappeared into the wild almost four years ago and managed to avoid capture despite intensive searches.

He vanished along with his children after losing custody rights following his divorce from his wife.

Phillips came from a farming family and lived in a small village of Marokopa on the North Island of New Zealand. He was described as a 'skilled builder' who often took his children hunting.

The first suspicion arose when his Toyota Hilux was found abandoned in the shallow waters of Kiritehere beach four years ago.

Initially, police feared that Phillips and his children might have drowned, but despite a national search being announced, the experienced traveler evaded law enforcement for nearly four years.

Phillips was charged with committing aggravated robbery, causing serious bodily harm, and illegal possession of firearms.

The Phillips family recently urged him to come forward and end this painful game of cat and mouse.

The children's mother, Kat, stated in a release that she was 'deeply relieved' that this situation has come to an end.

She added: 'We have missed them every day for almost four years and look forward to warmly and lovingly welcoming them home.'

The mother also emphasized: 'We hoped that the children could return peacefully and safely for everyone involved.'

This story highlights the complexity of the situation and the emotional burden families bear when children are in danger. The ongoing investigation seeks to clarify not only the circumstances of Phillips' death but also the details of his long period of freedom with his children. Society hopes for further clarifications from law enforcement attempting to establish all the details of this tragedy.