Investigators say Phillips was shot during a traffic stop on I-65 in Warren County near Smiths Grove on Monday afternoon and later died from his injuries.
The 30-year-old was from Glasgow and joined Kentucky State Police in 2023. Phillips "leaves behind a wife and three young children, along with his fellow troopers, family and friends."
KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr. said Phillips’ commitment to duty and service to Kentucky will not be forgotten.
“His dedication to duty and commitment to the commonwealth will not be forgotten,” Burnett said. “Our hearts break for Trooper Phillips’ family, loved ones, and fellow troopers as we grieve this tremendous loss.”
According to state police, Phillips stopped 51-year-old Emonnie Branch of Portland, Tennessee, on I-65 when he was shot. Branch fled the scene, prompting a statewide search.
Police arrested Branch about four hours later in Jefferson County on Dixie Highway after Louisville police used a grappler to stop the vehicle and take him into custody. He is charged with murder of a first responder peace officer.
But for the Kentucky State Police family, the focus remains on the trooper they lost.
Phillips’ death has prompted an outpouring of condolences from Kentucky leaders.
Gov. Andy Beshear called Phillips a “hero who dedicated himself to protecting the commonwealth.”
Attorney General Russell Coleman said Phillips made the ultimate sacrifice, describing him as a man who had a family and fellow troopers who stood beside him.
State Sen. Mike Wilson, Senate Majority Leader David Givens and Sen. Max Wise said Phillips’ death highlights the risks officers and their families face each day.
U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Kentucky Kyle Bumgarner also remembered Phillips as a husband, father, and law enforcement officer who began his day doing the work he had committed himself to.
“One of the men who wakes up every day, kisses a wife, and three little boys goodbye after strapping on his gun belt and putting on his badge is no longer with us,” Bumgarner said.
Phillips’ fellow troopers say they will continue to carry his memory with them as they mourn his death and support his family.
