# Killing of Kentucky State Trooper Hayden Phillips

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/killing-of-kentucky-state-trooper-hayden-phillips
> Updated: 2026-10-06T15:56:06.000Z. Sources: 14. Developments: 2.

On September 28, 2026, Kentucky State Trooper Hayden Phillips was fatally shot during a traffic stop on northbound Interstate 65 in Warren County. Kentucky State Police characterized the incident as a “severe attack” on law enforcement.

A manhunt for the suspect, later identified as 51-year-old Emonnie Branch of Portland, Tennessee, resulted in an arrest by the Louisville Metro Police Department in Jefferson County. Following an indictment by a Warren County grand jury on October 1, Branch faces charges including murder of a first responder, possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, and tampering with physical evidence.

During the funeral services held at Western Kentucky University, country music artist Billy Ray Cyrus performed a tribute to Phillips, describing the performance as the “highest honor” of his life.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-06: Billy Ray Cyrus honors slain Kentucky Trooper Hayden Phillips

Billy Ray Cyrus paid tribute to slain Kentucky State Trooper Hayden Phillips at his funeral in Bowling Green. Emonnie Branch has been indicted in connection with Phillips' fatal shooting during a traffic stop.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/billy-ray-cyrus-honors-slain-kentucky-trooper-hayden-phillips

### 2026-09-28: Kentucky State Trooper Hayden Phillips killed in I-65 shooting

Kentucky State Trooper Hayden Phillips was fatally shot during a traffic stop on I-65 in Warren County. Suspect Emonnie Branch has been arrested in Louisville and faces murder charges.

13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kentucky-state-trooper-fatally-shot-on-interstate-65

---
Cite as: Killing of Kentucky State Trooper Hayden Phillips. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/killing-of-kentucky-state-trooper-hayden-phillips