Trooper Hayden Phillips, 30, was fatally shot along Interstate 65 in Warren County, according to Kentucky State Police. Phillips, a three-year veteran of the agency, leaves behind his wife and three young sons.

“He was senselessly murdered,” U.S. Attorney Kyle Bumgarner said during a September 28 news conference. “We have a wife that expected her husband to come home. We have three little boys who don’t have a dad.”

Phillips was assigned to Kentucky State Police Post 3 in Bowling Green after graduating from Cadet Class 103. His fellow troopers knew him as Unit 369.

“Because he served us, because he served our community, because he wanted to keep each of us safe,” Bumgarner said. “He gave the ultimate sacrifice.”

The shooting happened on northbound I-65 near the 38-mile marker. Following Phillips’ death, authorities launched a manhunt and issued a Blue Alert for Emonnie Branch, who was later taken into custody by Louisville Metro Police.

Kentucky State Police Commissioner Col. Phillip Burnett Jr. said Branch is being charged with the murder of a first responder. Authorities said he would be returned to Warren County to face state charges.

But as officials announced the arrest, much of their attention remained on Phillips and the family he left behind.

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— KY State Police (@kystatepolice) September 28, 2026

“His dedication to duty and commitment to the Commonwealth will never be forgotten,” Burnett said. “Our hearts break for Trooper Phillips’ family, loved ones and fellow troopers as we grieve this tremendous loss.”

Burnett also made a promise to Phillips’ loved ones: “You will not walk this path alone.”

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear remembered Phillips as a hero, calling him “a devoted husband and loving father to three children.”

“Let us wrap our arms around this family during this unimaginable time,” Beshear wrote.

Lawmakers from across Kentucky also asked for prayers for Phillips’ wife, children and fellow officers. Rep. Morgan McGarvey said the state would remember the fallen trooper’s sacrifice.

“Alongside his fellow KSP troopers and all who knew and loved him, we will not forget his service to our commonwealth,” McGarvey wrote.

Country singer Lee Greenwood also offered his condolences, saying he and his wife, Kim, would “always stand with the men and women in blue.”

Kentucky State Police shared a final tribute to Phillips using the unit number by which his fellow troopers knew him.

“Rest Easy U/369. We have it from here.”

Lord, please comfort Trooper Hayden Phillips’ wife, three young sons, family and fellow officers as they grieve this heartbreaking loss. Surround them with Your peace and strength in the difficult days ahead, and protect all those who put their lives on the line to serve their communities. Amen.