Suspect to be extradited back to Tennessee after death of local state trooper

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – On Friday, Oct. 2, the suspect accused of killing Kentucky State Police Trooper Hayden Phillips appeared in court in Warren County on charges connected to his death.

During the court appearance, a fugitive warrant out of Sumner County, Tennessee was discussed for 51-year-old Emonnie Branch.

According to a WNKY News 40 reporter on scene, Judge Kim Geoghegan stated Friday that Branch has agreed to be extradited back to Tennessee.

On Oct. 1, the investigation was presented to a Warren County Grand Jury. The grand jury indicted Branch on charges of murder of a first responder, possession of a handgun by a convicted felon and tampering with physical evidence.

Branch pleaded not guilty during an arraignment on Sept. 29.

According to the Kentucky State Police, Phillips was conducting a traffic stop on Interstate 65 in Warren County on Monday, Sept. 28 when two shots were fired.

After reviewing video, authorities say Branch was identified. He was captured by law enforcement in Louisville that same day after an hours-long pursuit.

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.