The Tennessee man accused of killing a Kentucky state trooper was on probation and already wanted for a violation, with a criminal record that included assault, fraud and illegally possessing a gun.
Emonnie Branch, 51, was denied bond Tuesday on a charge of murder of a first responder in the death of Trooper Hayden Phillips, a husband and father of three young boys.
Tennessee Department of Correction records reviewed by Fox News Digital show Branch was serving five years of probation for a fraud-related conviction. His supervision was scheduled to end in July 2030.
Sumner County District Attorney Thomas Dean told Fox 17 Nashville that Branch was already wanted for a probation violation tied to his securities fraud conviction before Mondays shooting.
CALIFORNIA GUNMAN REPEATEDLY RELEASED BEFORE DEADLY RAMPAGE, FIERY SHOOTOUT WITH DEPUTIES
“Looks like he has a very extensive and varied criminal history,” Commonwealths Attorney Kori Bumgarner said during Tuesdays arraignment, the outlet reported.
CHARLOTTE REPEAT OFFENDER CHARGED WITH KILLING MAN HOURS AFTER RELEASE ON BOND
Dean said Branchs prior convictions included attempted domestic assault, violating a no-contact order and securities fraud. Court records reviewed by the outlet also showed a 2009 conviction for illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
Fox 17 reported that Branch was arrested twice this year for probation violations. Warren County Regional Jail records reviewed by Fox News Digital show he is being held without bond on the murder charge and a fugitive charge.
Phillips was shot and killed during a traffic stop on Interstate 65 in Warren County Monday, Kentucky State Police said. Authorities identified Branch as the suspect and issued a statewide Blue Alert before Louisville Metro Police captured him that evening.
“He was senselessly murdered,” U.S. Attorney Kyle Bumgarner said Monday night during a news briefing. “We have a wife that expected her husband to come home. We have three little boys who dont have a dad.”
JURY CONVICTS KEVIN SALAZAR IN EXECUTION-STYLE KILLING OF LA DEPUTY RYAN CLINKUNBROOMER
“One of our own was gunned down and murdered on the side of the road,” Kyle Bumgarner added.
He pledged that the Justice Department would give state prosecutors and investigators “every tool” and “every bit of support” it could to help them pursue the maximum sentence.
Kentucky State Police Commissioner Col. Phillip Burnett Jr. condemned the suspects “cowardly actions” and explained why he had mentioned his name only once.
“I want you to know I only mentioned his name one time,” Burnett said.
