Trooper Murder Suspect Had Extensive Criminal History, Was on Probation
Emonnie Branch, accused of killing Trooper Hayden Phillips, had a rap sheet including fraud and illegal gun possession.
The Tennessee man accused of killing Kentucky State Police Trooper Hayden Phillips during a traffic stop was on probation and already wanted for a violation, with a criminal history that includes assault, fraud, and illegally possessing a gun. Emonnie Branch, 51, was denied bond Tuesday on a charge of murder of a first responder.
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. Sumner County District Attorney Thomas Dean stated that Branch was wanted for a probation violation tied to his securities fraud conviction before the shooting occurred. Branch's prior convictions include attempted domestic assault, violating a no-contact order, and illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
Warren County Regional Jail records show Branch is being held without bond on the murder charge and a fugitive charge. He had reportedly been arrested twice this year for probation violations.
Trooper 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 captured later that evening. U.S. Attorney Kyle Bumgarner described the act as a "senseless murder," noting Phillips was a husband and father of three young boys.
Kentucky State Police Commissioner Col. Phillip Burnett Jr. condemned the suspect’s actions and pledged that the agency would seek justice for Phillips, a three-year veteran assigned to Post 3 in Bowling Green. The Justice Department has committed to providing state prosecutors and investigators with full support.
Phillips' wife, Jordan, shared her grief, writing on Facebook about her loss and her commitment to carrying on for their sons. A candlelight vigil was scheduled for Thursday, and Gov. Andy Beshear ordered flags to be lowered at state buildings in Phillips' honor. He also encouraged donations to the Kentucky State Police Foundation to benefit the family. Jordan Phillips asked for shared memories of her husband to be passed on to their children.