KSP releases body camera footage in excessive use-of-force case

Editor’s note: The following content in the body camera footage linked below may be disturbing to some viewers. Viewer discretion is advised. 

FRANKFORT, Ky. –  The Kentucky State Police is releasing body camera footage involving an excessive use-of-force case.

According to the agency, the case involves former state trooper Hayden Kilbourne, who pleaded guilty to second-degree assault and third-degree terroristic threatening.

KSP Sgt. Matt Sudduth, public affairs commander, stated, “Today we’re releasing this footage based on our commitment to be transparent. First, I’ll give a timeline for context of what you’re about to see.”

Sudduth stated the following took place:

• July 28, 2023: Kilbourne was involved in an excessive use-of-force incident in Carroll County. At 10 a.m. that morning, KSP troopers were involved in a pursuit “initiated by a suspect reported to be armed and dangerous, driving a stolen vehicle.”
• The pursuit traveled through four Kentucky counties and two KSP post areas, involving multiple police agencies. After KSP dispatch alerted Kilbourne about the incident, he joined the pursuit.
• August 2, 2023: Following an administrative review of the incident and acting in accordance with KRS Chapter 16, commissioner Bunett issued an “intent to dismiss” Kilbourne.
• In accordance with the same statute, authorities say Kilbourne “exercised his right to challenge the proposed termination and requested a hearing before the KSP Trial Board.”
• After hearing evidence, the board issued a six-month suspension without pay, which ended on February 15, 2024.
• August 4, 2023: KSP launched a criminal investigation into the incident.
• September 18, 2023: The case was submitted to the prosecutor’s office, which led to two charges being filed against Kilbourne. These were the assault and terroristic threatening charges.
• September 19, 2023: Kilbourne was charged and arrested.
• With Kilbourne being under a felony indictment, he was unable to serve as a road trooper. Due to this, Kilbourne was assigned to the Office of Technical Services and “did not perform any sworn law enforcement duties while the indictment was pending.”
• January 13, 2026: Kilbourne submitted his resignation. Authorities say he has not been employed by the agency since that time.

Sudduth continued, stating Kilbourne “violated the sacred duty of policing.”

KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. said, “The video you are about to see is unacceptable. Former trooper Kilbourne’s actions were out of line and rightfully prosecuted. Troopers have a duty to uphold the law in all ways.”

To view the video, click here.