Suspect in death of Trooper Hayden Phillips appears for arraignment

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – The suspect in the death of Kentucky State Police Trooper Hayden Phillips is in Warren County Circuit Court Tuesday morning for arraignment.

Judge Joseph B. Hines entered the courtroom at 10 a.m., while the suspect, 51-year-old Emonnie Branch, entered in handcuffs.

Branch is accused of fatally shooting Phillips on Sept. 28 during a traffic stop in Interstate 65 in Warren County.

Branch was advised of his rights and requested the appointment of a lawyer and was read his charges, which include murder of a first responder, possession of a handgun by a convicted felon and tampering with physical evidence.

In addition, Branch was provided with an indictment and confirmed his plea of not guilty.

Branch additionally confirmed he is a United States citizen.

All evidence preserved in this case is confirmed at this time.

Branch’s next court appearance is scheduled for Feb. 12 at 10 a.m.