18-year-old charged with murder of Greensboro officer could face death penalty

The three suspects charged in connection to the shooting death of a Greensboro officer appeared in court on Tuesday.

There were dozens of people in the courtroom – seats were filled to the point that there was standing-room only.

On Saturday, an off-duty Greensboro police officer, Sergeant Philip Dale Nix, was shot and killed at the Sheetz on Sandy Ridge Road. He was trying to stop the suspects from stealing beer, according to court documents.

The following people were arrested in connection to his murder and are facing the following charges:

Foster, Blackwell and Morrison appeared over video – facing not only the judge but also dozens of officers and the widow of Sgt. Philip Dale Nix.

Foster, who is charged with first-degree murder, appeared first and is facing the heaviest possible sentences.

The 18-year-old was told he's facing a maximum sentence of the death penalty or life in prison without the possibility of parole. Foster's reaction prompted a swift response from Judge Tabatha Holiday.

"Don't say anything else; please don't say anything," she said. "At this point, you're presumed innocent. That's the way our justice system works, and that's where we stand today."

Meanwhile, Blackwell and Morrison each face up to 231 months in prison.

In court, new details were shared regarding what led up to the shooting.

According to the district attorney, Sgt. Nix frequented the Sheetz on Sandy Ridge Road in Colfax.

On that day, the DA says Nix was sitting outside at a table, off-duty, when he noticed a car parked in a handicapped spot.

It's unclear if he was in uniform, but the DA says he had his badge and a gun with him.

The DA said Morrison and Foster each stole five cases of beer and went out to the car. That's when investigators say Nix approached the driver's side of the car. At that point, it's alleged that an individual pulled out a handgun and fired at least five shots at the officer. WRAL News is working to learn how many shots actually hit Nix.

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In a moment of sympathy, Holiday directly addressed Sgt. Nix's widow and Greensboro police.

"Tragedy doesn't even describe the senseless act of violence that we see here today," she said. "And I'm very sorry for you and your family. My sincere condolences to the family and to the entire Greensboro Police Department family."

While Foster and Blackwell have no prior convictions, Morrison has five prior convictions in Forsyth County – two of which are felonies.

All three suspects are due back in court again on April 2.