MEMPHIS, TN – A tragic incident unfolded over the weekend at a breast cancer walk event in Shelby Farms Park when a 22-year-old medical student was shot and killed in the parking lot. Authorities have identified the victim as Ellie Claire Young, and her ex-boyfriend, 26-year-old Jackson Hopper, is facing murder charges in connection with her untimely death.
The shooting occurred around noon on Saturday, according to the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office. Young was reportedly getting into her vehicle when another driver approached and opened fire. Medical personnel at the scene pronounced her dead shortly after the incident.
Young was a medical student at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, dedicated to her studies and passionate about her future in medicine. The Shelby County District Attorney, Steve Mulroy, confirmed that they have requested Hopper be held without bond due to the serious nature of the crime.
Following the shooting, Hopper attempted to evade capture, leading authorities on a chase that stretched nearly 80 miles. The pursuit ended when police executed a tactical maneuver that caused Hopper’s vehicle to crash and overturn in Dyer County. Despite the chaos, officers managed to apprehend him after a tense standoff.
Footage from the arrest, obtained by local media, depicted a dramatic police encounter. Officers surrounded the overturned car, with one demanding Hopper show his hands. When he failed to comply, law enforcement pulled him from the vehicle and detained him. The aftermath saw Hopper with visible injuries, apparent from injuries in his jail booking photo.
An internal investigation has been launched following the arrest, led by Tipton County Sheriff Shannon Beasley. The review will encompass body camera and in-car footage along with witness statements to ensure all aspects of the arrest are scrutinized fairly.
As the investigation continues, a GoFundMe campaign initiated to support Young’s funeral expenses has garnered substantial community support, raising close to $40,000 so far.