Kentucky Trooper Killed by Repeat Offender Out on Probation
Emonnie Branch, accused of fatally shooting Trooper Hayden Phillips during a traffic stop, had a history of assault, fraud, and illegal firearm possession, and was currently on probation for a securities fraud conviction.
The Tennessee man accused of killing a Kentucky state trooper had an extensive criminal history, including assault, fraud, and illegal gun possession, and was on probation for a previous conviction at the time of the shooting. Emonnie Branch, 51, was denied bond Tuesday on a charge of murder of a first responder in the death of Trooper Hayden Phillips.
Tennessee Department of Correction records indicate Branch was serving five years of probation for a fraud-related conviction, with his supervision scheduled to end in July 2030. According to Sumner County District Attorney Thomas Dean, Branch was already wanted for a probation violation connected to his securities fraud conviction before the incident.
Commonwealth's Attorney Kori Bumgarner stated during Branch's arraignment that his criminal history is “very extensive and varied,” including attempted domestic assault, violating a no-contact order, and securities fraud. Court records also show a 2009 conviction for illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Fox 17 reported that Branch had been arrested twice this year for probation violations.
Warren County Regional Jail records show Branch is being held without bond on the murder charge and a fugitive charge. Phillips was shot and killed during a traffic stop on Interstate 65 in Warren County. Authorities identified Branch as the suspect and issued a statewide Blue Alert before he was apprehended by Louisville Metro Police.
US Attorney Kyle Bumgarner described Phillips as having been “senselessly murdered,” leaving behind a wife and three young sons. Kentucky State Police Commissioner Col. Phillip Burnett Jr. condemned Branch’s “cowardly actions” and pledged the agency's commitment to seeking justice for Phillips. Phillips, a three-year veteran of the state police, was assigned to Post 3 in Bowling Green.
Phillips' wife, Jordan, expressed her grief on Facebook, writing about waiting for her husband to come home and promising to carry on for their children. A candlelight vigil is scheduled for Thursday evening. Governor Andy Beshear ordered flags at state buildings to be lowered to half-staff on Sunday, October 4, in Phillips’ honor, calling him a hero who sacrificed everything. Beshear encouraged donations to the Kentucky State Police Foundation to support the family and asked for prayers for Phillips' wife and children.