Two brothers accused of murdering a Philadelphia police officer could face the death penalty if found guilty.
Carlton Hipps, 29, and his 25-year-old half-brother Ramone Williams, were formally arraigned Wednesday morning.
Prosecutors are proceeding with the case as a capital case, so both suspects could face the death penalty if convicted.
Hipps and Williams are charged in the March 5 death of Philadelphia Police Officer Robert Wilson III.
Authorities said the uniformed officer stopped in a GameStop store to buy a gift for his son's 10th birthday.
Assistant District Attorney Brian Zarallo said the 30-year-old Wilson fought back in an intense shootout while seven civilians crouched behind a counter.
Prosecutors allege that each brother struck the officer with a potentially lethal shot. Prosecutors said the medical examiner is prepared to testify that Wilson was struck six times as police say he protected customers and employees inside the game store at Hope Plaza Shopping Center along W. Lehigh Avenue in North Philadelphia.
Local
Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood.
Both men face a slew of charges including murder and robbery.
