Brief
Tennessee man denied bond after killing Kentucky state trooper
Emonnie Branch, a repeat offender on probation, was held without bond for the murder of Trooper Hayden Phillips.
By Felo News Desk · Published
According to nypost.com, 51‑year‑old Emonnie Branch was denied bond on Tuesday for the murder of Kentucky State Trooper Hayden Phillips, who was shot during a traffic stop on Interstate 65 in Warren County on Sept. 28, 2026.
Branch, a Tennessee resident, was on five‑year probation for a fraud‑related conviction and had prior violations, including attempted domestic assault, a no‑contact order breach, securities fraud and a 2009 illegal‑firearm possession conviction. Records reviewed by Fox News Digital show his supervision was set to end in July 2030.
Authorities issued a statewide Blue Alert and captured Branch that evening, holding him at Warren County Detention Center without bond on murder and fugitive charges. U.S. Attorney Kyle Bumgarner called the killing "senseless" and highlighted the impact on Phillips' family.
Key facts
- Emonnie Branch was denied bond on murder charges for killing Trooper Hayden Phillips. (nypost.com)
- The shooting occurred during a traffic stop on I‑65 in Warren County, Kentucky on Sept. 28, 2026. (nypost.com)
- Branch was on probation for a fraud conviction and had multiple prior offenses. (nypost.com)
Sources
- [1] nypost.com — originally reported as “Repeat offender with lengthy rap sheet accused of gunning down Kentucky trooper during traffic stop”
