North Philadelphia Church Holds Remembrance for Fallen Police Officer Robert Wilson III

Veteran actor David Morse fought back the tears Sunday as he remembered Philadelphia Police Officer Robert Wilson III.

"We're just here, just a part of this community and here to say thanks," said the 61-year-old actor who starred in the TV series "St. Elsewhere," "House" and "Treme" as well as several movies, including "The Negotiator," and "The Green Mile."

Morse, who now lives in the Philadelphia area, was among the hundreds of community members, officers and loved ones who gathered for a Sunday mass at the St. Martin De Porres Church on Lehigh Avenue to honor Officer Wilson. Wilson was shot and killed Thursday during a robbery at a GameStop nearby.

Rev. Stephen Thorne gave a heartfelt eulogy praising Officer Wilson and urged his community to come together and stop the violence. 

Thorne said even though he didn't know Wilson, his murder impacts everyone.

"So caring, so nice of a person," said Wilson's neighbor Nicole Armstrong. "A wonderful father who always had his kids. Always, always. He's really going to be truly missed."

Hundreds, including police officers, donated money during the offering. A total of $5500 was collected during the service, $500 of which came from the Archbishop. The money will be sent to the fund for Wilson's sons.

The 30-year-old father of two was killed during a robbery at a GameStop at Hope Plaza Shopping Center last Thursday.

Wilson was in full uniform when brothers Carlton Hipps, 30, and Ramone Williams, 26, entered the store and announced the robbery, subsequently sparking a "fierce and violent" gun battle that ended with the officer being shot in the head and killed, said Homicide Captain Darrell Clark.

"They were both firing at him," said Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey. "He was actually being hit during the exchange of gunfire but he continued to fight, continued to shoot until the fatal wound was fired and it brought him down."

Wilson is being hailed a hero and is credited with saving the lives of customers and store employees, according to Ramsey.

"Everyone in the GameStop family will always remember Officer Wilson for his sacrifice while defending our staff and customers in the North Philadelphia GameStop store. The Company is thankful that due to the brave actions of Officer Wilson and the Philadelphia Police Department, all of our employees and customers are safe and unharmed," the store said in a news release Sunday.

Williams and Hipps are charged with his murder.

A peace rally was also held Sunday at noon at 22nd St. and Lehigh Ave., the same location where Wilson was murdered.

Ministers from surrounding churches in the city also gathered at 22nd District Police headquarters on 17th Street and Montgomery Avenue around 3 p.m. to pray with the officers from Wilson's district.

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