Man Charged With Murdering Kentucky State Trooper; Death Penalty Possible
Kentucky authorities announced at an October 2 press conference that Emonnie Branch has been charged with murdering Kentucky State Police Trooper Hayden Phillips, with prosecutors saying the death penalty is on the table, the Courier-Journal reported.
Trooper Phillips was shot and killed on September 28 while on duty along Interstate 65. Investigators identified Branch as the suspect and arrested him. Officials honored Phillips's service, describing him as dedicated and respected in the community.
Kentucky State Police said the charges include murder of a law-enforcement officer among other felonies. In Kentucky, killing a police officer is an aggravating factor eligible for capital punishment; prosecutors will decide after grand-jury indictment.
Phillips's death devastated Kentucky law enforcement, and the governor ordered flags to half-staff. The case is now with prosecutors; Branch is held without bail pending a detention hearing.
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：肯塔基州州警巡逻车。摄影：Charles Edward Miller，CC BY-SA 2.0，取自 Wikimedia Commons
