The man accused of shooting and killing Greensboro Police Sgt. Philip Dale Nix will be held without bail after a first court appearance Tuesday. Jamere Justice Foster, 18, is charged with first-degree murder in the case.
Police arrested two others in connection with the Dec. 30 killing. Z’quriah Le’Pearce Blackwell, 18, and John Walter Morrison, 28, are charged with accessory after the fact.
A judge gave Blackwell a $500,000 bond. Morrison is being held without bail. Prosecutors said Morrison has a criminal record that includes several breaking and entering charges.
The shooting happened at about 4 p.m. at a Sheetz gas station at 3202 Sandy Ridge Rd. Dec. 30. Police said the three suspects pulled up to the store and tried to steal five cases of beer when Nix, who was off duty, intervened.
Police say Foster shot the police sergeant, and the three drove away. They were the subject of a “Blue Alert” that rang on phones across much of North Carolina.
Nix was a regular at the gas station, prosecutors said.
The three had their first appearance before a judge in Guilford County Court Tuesday afternoon. A judge set their next court date for April 2.
The governor ordered flags at state facilities lowered to half-staff through sunset Wednesday to honor Nix.
“Our prayers are with the Greensboro police and family and friends. I’m grateful to those working to bring justice in this tragic act of violence,” Gov. Roy Cooper said.
Fundraiser
The Greensboro Police Officers Association is raising money for Nix’s family through the Help a Hero website.
“The Greensboro Police Officers Association mourns the death of one of its members–Sergeant Philip Dale Nix. Sergeant Nix, who was off duty, was tragically gunned down on Saturday, December 30, 2023, while attempting to stop a crime in progress,” the association said.
“All proceeds collected will go directly to the Nix family to help cover any immediate or future costs that may arise,” according to the site.
Memorials have been set up to remember Nix at the Greensboro Police Department and at the Sheetz where he was shot. Wednesday at 5 p.m., Greensboro’s City’s Office of Community Safety is planning a gathering in Nix’s honor and support for the police department at Phil McDonald Plaza, 220 S. Greene St.
“This is an opportunity to stand in support with GPD, Sgt. Nix’s family, and the various community groups he worked with while serving as GPD’s family victim unit supervisor,” said Latisha McNeil, OCS manager in a news release. “We are denouncing violence and promoting unity for all.”