In a court hearing on Tuesday, the suspects accused of the shooting and killing of Greensboro Police Department Sgt. Dale Nix during an attempted larceny at a Sheetz convenience store in Guilford County made their appearances. The incident took place on December 30, when Nix confronted individuals attempting to steal beer, according to the Greensboro Police Department.

Jamere Justice Foster, an 18-year-old from Winston-Salem, is facing charges of felony first-degree murder, misdemeanor larceny, and conspiracy to commit larceny. Allegedly, Foster stole approximately $83 worth of beer. John Walter Morrison, 28, and Zquriah Lepearce Blackwell, 18, are also charged with felony accessory after the fact.

According to the district attorney, Nix was off-duty but had his badge and gun with him as he sat at the Sheetz on Sandy Ridge Road. When he noticed a car pull in, two of the suspects - Foster and Morrison - allegedly entered the store for just 53 seconds, stealing five cases of beer each with the intention to sell them.

After leaving the store, Nix approached the driver's side door of the suspect vehicle, at which point Foster fired five shots. Nix was struck twice in the back and side. Blackwell, the third suspect, allegedly discussed destroying evidence, including the gun and the registration plate of the suspect vehicle.

During the court hearing, multiple officers, including Greensboro's Chief of Police John Thompson, Mayor Nancy Vaughan, and Nix's widow were present. Foster appeared in court via Zoom, where the judge explained his rights, as well as the potential maximum sentences for his charges, which range from 120 days to the death penalty.

Considering Foster a danger to the community, the judge ruled that he would remain in custody, and a later hearing would determine if the state would seek the death penalty. Blackwell appeared after Foster and faces charges of felony accessory after the fact, with a maximum sentence of 231 months. She has a bond of $500,000, which the judge did not modify.

Morrison, the final suspect to appear, was also denied bond. Additionally, he has a misdemeanor drug charge from Forsyth County and has previous convictions for larceny and breaking and entering.

The judge addressed Nix's wife, expressing condolences and describing the senseless violence as a "tragedy." The next court date for Foster, Blackwell, and Morrison has been scheduled for April 2.

Following Nix's death, politicians and community members expressed their grief and offered support to the Greensboro Police Department. The Greensboro Police Officers Association mourned the loss of Sgt. Philip Dale Nix. Mayor Nancy Vaughan called the killing a "senseless act of violence," while Governor Roy Cooper emphasized the need to apprehend the responsible parties and seek justice.

Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson and his wife offered their condolences to Nix's family and the entire Greensboro Police Department, stressing the importance of supporting law enforcement during this challenging time. Taiwo Jaiyeoba, the Greensboro city manager, acknowledged Nix's contributions to the community and expressed hope that his memory would be honored throughout the year.