> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.shayinformed.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Suspect in KSP trooper's killing has a criminal history, records show - URL: https://www.shayinformed.com/suspect-in-ksp-troopers-killing-was-wanted-on-probation-violation-records-show/ - Published: 2026-09-30T14:24:47.000Z - Updated: 2026-09-30T15:05:52.000Z - Author: Shay McAlister - Tags: Covering Kentucky Emonnie Branch is charged with murder of a first responder in the death of Trooper Hayden Phillips. Now, prosecutors are revealing a lengthy criminal past. --- *I'm Shay McAlister, and this is Shay Informed: an independent, ad-free platform dedicated to honest journalism with compassion and clarity.* *Are you new here?* [*Sign up*](https://www.shayinformed.com/#/portal/signup) *for the free weekly newsletter or subscribe to support the mission and access in-depth investigations, exclusive interviews, and podcasts reserved for paid subscribers.* --- The man charged with killing a Kentucky State Police trooper on Interstate 65 was already wanted for violating his probation, according to prosecutors and court records. 51 year old Emonnie Branch from Portland, Tennessee, is charged with murder of a first responder (peace officer) in the death of 28 year old Trooper Hayden Phillips. ## What happened Monday ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/8c/19/8c19890d-f21a-4442-8055-5db9783cac58/content/images/2026/09/trooper-hayden-phillips.jpeg) KSP says Phillips pulled over a vehicle near mile marker 39 on northbound I-65, just north of Bowling Green, shortly after 2 p.m. CT Monday. The preliminary investigation indicates the driver shot Phillips and fled the scene. Investigators used witness information along with Phillips's dash camera and body-worn camera footage to develop a suspect vehicle. Working with local, state, and federal partners, they identified the driver as Emonnie Branch. At the time, the public was made aware they were searching for this car. We did not yet know the suspect's name. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/8c/19/8c19890d-f21a-4442-8055-5db9783cac58/content/images/2026/09/car.jpeg) Shortly after 5 p.m. CT, a vehicle matching the description was located in Louisville. Louisville Metro Police used a grappler device to stop it on Dixie Highway near Burwell Avenue. Branch, the vehicle's operator and only occupant, was taken into custody without further incident. No other injuries were reported. ## His criminal record ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/8c/19/8c19890d-f21a-4442-8055-5db9783cac58/content/images/2026/09/Screenshot-2026-09-30-at-10.01.49---AM.png) At Branch's arraignment Tuesday, Commonwealth's Attorney Kori Bumgarner told the court, "Looks like he has a very extensive and varied criminal history." Tennessee Department of Correction records show Branch was on probation for a fraud impersonation conviction, with that sentence set to run until July 2030\. Bumgarner said prosecutors also have reason to believe Branch previously pleaded guilty to a robbery in which he used a firearm. I could not confirm that independently through online Tennessee court records. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/8c/19/8c19890d-f21a-4442-8055-5db9783cac58/content/images/2026/09/Screenshot-2026-09-30-at-10.22.57---AM.png) Online records from the Tennessee Offender Search I am still working to confirm details about prior charges, possible probation violations and the status of possible warrants. Tennessee's record system is not nearly as user friendly as Kentucky's system and despite more than two dozen calls this morning, no one I have spoken to seems to know the answer. ## What's next Branch is due back in court Friday at 8:45 a.m. in Bowling Green. A judge is expected to take up whether he should be returned to Tennessee on the probation violation. KSP's Critical Incident Response Team is leading the investigation at the request of Post 3 in Bowling Green. In a statement, the agency said it is committed to transparency but, as standard procedure, won't release specific details until key witnesses have been interviewed and pertinent facts gathered. It said timelines vary with the complexity of a case. The investigation is ongoing. *Like what you see? Learn more about Shay Informed* [*here*](https://www.shayinformed.com/welcome-to-shay-informed/)*! This is honest journalism with compassion and clarity.*