Warren County prosecutors disclosed fresh details from a search warrant filed in the ongoing murder investigation of Kentucky State Police Trooper Hayden Phillips. The warrant, executed in late October, outlines the items seized from a 2017 Honda Civic that authorities say belonged to Emonnie Dion Branch, 51, the man charged with the trooper’s death.
Evidence collected at the vehicle
According to the affidavit, investigators recovered an Apple iPhone, two spent shell casings, a digital scale and multiple plastic baggies containing a white powder the officer identified as consistent with cocaine. The narcotics were packaged in three separate baggies and were found inside a Cheetos snack bag. The iPhone was subjected to a forensic examination covering calls, texts, photos, videos, deleted data, web history, app data and location information for the period Aug. 29 – Sept. 29.
How the vehicle was linked to the suspect
Trooper Phillips stopped the bluish‑gray Civic near Mile Marker 38 on I‑65 northbound after noting an expired temporary tag. In‑car camera footage captured the trooper approaching the passenger side and speaking with the driver, who was alone in the vehicle. The video shows two gunshots fired before Phillips collapsed and the vehicle fled the scene.
Investigators traced the temporary tag to another vehicle and identified Branch as a known associate of the tag’s owner. Records confirmed a gray 2017 Honda Civic was registered to Branch. When questioned, a person connected to the tag called Branch, who hung up. Later, a call from someone identified as “Ski” alleged that Branch told him he was “on the run.” Using emergency phone pings, police located Branch in Jefferson County driving a similar bluish‑gray Civic.
Legal proceedings
Branch entered a not‑guilty plea on Tuesday in Warren Circuit Court to charges of murder of a first responder, possession of a handgun by a convicted felon and tampering with physical evidence. He is scheduled to appear again for a pre‑trial/status conference on Feb. 12, 2027.
Community impact
The killing of Trooper Phillips has resonated deeply across Kentucky, underscoring the risks faced by first responders. Law‑enforcement officials emphasized the importance of the newly obtained evidence in building a strong case and bringing justice for the fallen trooper and his family.
Residents are reminded that any information related to the investigation can be reported to the Kentucky State Police. The case remains active as prosecutors continue to analyze the digital evidence from the seized iPhone and other items.
Original reporting: LEX18 Lexington (local) — read the source article.
