Warren County, Ky. – During an arraignment on Tuesday, 51‑year‑old Emonnie Dion Branch pleaded not guilty to the murder of Kentucky State Police Trooper Hayden Phillips. The plea was entered in Warren Circuit Court, where the Department of Public Advocacy was appointed to represent Branch.
Charges and alleged incident
Branch was indicted by a Warren County grand jury on three counts: murder of a first responder, possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, and tampering with physical evidence. Prosecutors allege that on Sept. 28, Trooper Phillips stopped a bluish‑gray Honda Civic with an expired temporary tag near mile marker 38 on I‑65 northbound at about 1:15 p.m.
According to a criminal complaint obtained by LEX News, an in‑car camera captured the interaction. Investigators say Phillips approached the vehicle and spoke with the driver, who was the only occupant. The complaint alleges that two gunshots were fired, causing the trooper to collapse. The vehicle then continued north on I‑65.
Investigation details
Authorities traced the temporary tag to a phone number linked to Branch. An emergency ping located him in Jefferson County. Investigators later recovered the Honda, finding a shell casing in the back seat and blood on the passenger side.
Branch’s next court appearance is scheduled for Feb. 12, 2027, at 10 a.m. for a pre‑trial/status conference. As required by law, he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Community response
The killing of a state trooper has shocked residents of Warren County and surrounding areas. Local law‑enforcement agencies have reiterated their commitment to public safety on the state’s highways and urged drivers to cooperate fully with ongoing investigations.
While the case proceeds through the courts, the Department of Public Advocacy will continue to provide legal representation for Branch, ensuring his constitutional right to a fair trial.
Original reporting: LEX18 Lexington (local) — read the source article.
