An off-duty police officer was tragically killed after confronting three robbers stealing beer from a store.
Sgt. Phillip Dale Nix, who lost his life trying to stop the theft at a Sheetz in Greensboro, North Carolina, was allegedly shot down by 18-year-old Jamere Justice Foster. Despite rescue efforts from another off-duty cop and paramedic, Sgt. Nix’s injuries were severe, and he passed away in hospital.
Greensboro Police Chief John Thompson made a heartfelt statement, saying: “He was a loving husband, father, son and brother with 22 years of service to the department and this community. We ask for prayers for the family of the fallen officer and our Greensboro PD family.”
All three involved in the robbery were arrested for their alleged involvement; Foster, the suspected shooter, has been charged with felony first-degree murder, misdemeanour, larceny, and conspiracy. His accomplice, John Walter Morrison, 28, is facing charges of misdemeanour larceny, conspiracy, and felony accessory after the fact to first-degree murder. Both men are being held without bail.
Zquriah Lepearce Blackwell has been accused of helping the alleged murderer escape ( Image: Police)
Jamere Justice Foster allegedly shot the police officer ( Image: Police)
The third suspect, Zquriah Lepearce Blackwell, 18, has been charged with felony accessory after the fact to first-degree murder and was held on a $500,000 bond. In the warrant for her arrest, she is accused of aiding Foster in fleeing the scene after fatally wounding Nix and advising that he get rid of the murder weapon and getaway car’s license plate, as well as helping facilitate the sale of the beer.
John Walter Morrison is being held without bail ( Image: Police)
Former Police Chief Tim Bellamy, who worked with Nix when he was a detective in the fraud unit, told Greensboro News and Record: “He was one of the best police officers you’d ever want to meet. He was just a good person personally and professionally.”
Greensboro Mayor Nancy Vaughan has been rendered utterly disgusted by the death of the sergeant, labelling it a ‘senseless act of violence’. She fumed: “I am angry, and I am sad. I think those are feelings that are felt throughout this department and throughout this city.” Nix, who comes from a long lineage of police officers, with his father having served the community before him, worked as the supervisor of the Family Victims Unit.
* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story.
