Suspects in shooting that killed Greensboro police officer appear in court

The three suspects arrested in the shooting and killing of a Greensboro police officer appeared in court Tuesday. Sergeant Philip Dale Nix was killed Saturday night. He was off duty when he was shot after intervening in a crime that was taking place at a Sheetz on Sandy Ridge Road. According to FOX8, the suspects were attempting to steal beer when Nix intervened and was shot twice.

Jamere Justice Foster, 18, is charged with first-degree murder, larceny, and conspiracy to commit larceny and is being held without bond. Z’quriah Le’Pearce Blackwell, 18, is charged with accessory after the fact to first-degree murder and is held with a $500,000 bond. John Walter Morrison, 28,  is charged with accessory after the fact to first-degree murder, larceny, and conspiracy to commit larceny and is held without bond.

Greensboro Mayor Nancy Vaughan has condemned the shooting as a senseless act of violence. Governor Roy Cooper offered his condolences and ordered all U.S. and NC flags at state facilities to half-staff until sunset on Wednesday. 

Nix was with Greensboro police for 23 years. The city of Greensboro is holding a community event Wednesday afternoon in support of the police department.