Press conference discusses charges against suspect in state trooper death

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – On Friday, Commonwealth’s Attorney Kori Beck Bumgarner held a press conference with updates on the investigation of the murder of Kentucky State Police Trooper Hayden Phillips.

During the press conference, Beck Bumgarner announced that 51-year-old Emonnie Branch, of Portland, Tennessee, will face charges of murder of a first responder, possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, and tampering with physical evidence.

The charge of murder of a peace officer is a capital offense and comes with a penalty of life without parole or death.

Bumgarner will prosecute the case.

On Oct. 1, the investigation was presented to a Warren County Grand Jury. The grand jury indicted Branch on the charges.

Branch is accused of murdering Trooper Hayden Phillips during a traffic stop on I-65 in Smiths Grove on Sept. 28.

The investigation alleges that Branch shot Trooper Phillips twice, causing his death.

Branch was arrested on the evening of Sept. 28 in Louisville.

Branch pled not guily at an arraignment on Sept. 29.

Branch’s next court date is scheduled for Oct. 27 at 10 a.m. at the Warren Circuit Court in Warren County.

Judge JB Hines will serve as the judge in the trial.

“My office will treat this case with the seriousness and diligence that just demands,” said Beck Bumgarner.