Suspect arraigned in Kentucky trooper killing

Emonnie Dion Branch, 51, pleaded not guilty at his arraignment in Warren Circuit Court on charges including murder of a first responder in the Sept. 28 fatal shooting of Kentucky State Police Trooper Hayden Phillips during an Interstate 65 traffic stop. He is also charged with being a convicted felon in possession of a handgun and tampering with physical evidence. The judge ordered evidence in state custody preserved and directed prosecutors to notify the defense about seized property that has been released, destroyed or consumed. Branch is charged with a capital offense and could face the death penalty, though prosecutors have not said whether they will seek it. A status conference to address discovery is scheduled for Feb. 12.