Drugs Found in Trooper Killer's Car

Police recovered suspected narcotics and trafficking tools from the car of the man charged with killing a state trooper in Kentucky. Investigators searched the vehicle of Emonnie Branch following his arrest in Louisville. Branch was pulled over on Interstate 65 in Bowling Green on Sept. 28. During the stop, Branch shot and killed KSP Trooper Hayden Phillips.

An affidavit filed for a search warrant details the contents of Branch’s car. Officers found a digital scale and several small plastic baggies inside the vehicle. A bag of Cheetos contained what police believe to be suspected narcotics. Investigators also recovered a white powder they identify as cocaine. These items are currently linked to the case but have not yet generated separate drug charges.

Branch is currently indicted on three counts. He faces murder of a first responder, possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, and tampering with physical evidence. Branch has entered a not guilty plea to all three charges. The murder count is a capital offense in Kentucky. If convicted, he could receive a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of probation or parole, or the death penalty.

The remaining charges carry shorter potential sentences. Possession of a handgun by a convicted felon allows for five to 10 years in prison. Tampering with physical evidence allows for one to five years. Branch was arrested hours after the shooting on Sept. 28. He remains in custody as the case moves through the court system.

The next scheduled hearing for Branch is set for Feb. 12, 2027. That date marks the next procedural step in his trial preparation. Prosecutors will use the physical evidence found in his car to support their case. The discovery of the scale and baggies provides additional context for the traffic stop that led to the trooper’s death.