The suspect accused of fatally shooting his ex-girlfriend at Shelby Farms and subsequently leading authorities on a high-speed pursuit across West Tennessee remains in custody without bail following his initial court appearance.
Jackson Hopper faces charges of first-degree murder in connection with the tragic death of 22-year-old Ellie Claire Young.
No Bond Requested for Suspect in Shelby Farms Shooting as DA Highlights Domestic Violence Crisis
The Tipton County Sheriff’s Office has announced that Jackson Hopper, in addition to being charged with first-degree murder in the death of Ellie Claire Young, is facing multiple additional charges. These include possession of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony, felony evading arrest, aggravated assault without injury, reckless endangerment, reckless driving, resisting arrest, and speeding over 21 MPH.
Court records from Shelby County confirm that attorney Leslie Ballin will represent Hopper in the upcoming legal proceedings.
In a statement released on Monday, Shelby County District Attorney General Steve Mulroy’s office emphasized the gravity of the case, stating, “Due to the severity of this case, our office has requested that no bond be granted pending a hearing.”
The statement also shed light on the ongoing issue of domestic violence in the Mid-South, urging the public to utilize the resources available, including the 24-hour domestic violence hotline operated by the Family Safety Center in Shelby County at 901-222-4400.
BREAKING NEWS
— WREG News Channel 3 (@3onyourside) October 20, 2024
WREG has obtained a video of Jackson Hopper's arrest from an eyewitness. He is a suspect in the shooting death of 22-year-old Ellie Young.
Read the corresponding story here: https://t.co/ptqPstgSDk pic.twitter.com/93REQfJ40W
Tragic Shooting at Shelby Farms Leads to High-Speed Chase and Arrest of Suspect
The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) responded to a fatal shooting on Saturday, October 19, 2024, in the parking lot of the Visitor Center at Shelby Farms. Deputies arrived at the scene to find 22-year-old Ellie Claire Young shot multiple times and lying next to her Jeep. Despite attempts to save her, Young was pronounced dead at the scene.
Read: Who was Ellie Young?
According to a court affidavit, witnesses reported that Young was parked in the lot when a white Honda CRV with temporary Kentucky tags pulled up behind her Jeep. A man exited the CRV, fired two shots into the back of her vehicle, and when Young got out, he fired at least one more shot as she lay on the ground before fleeing in the CRV.
— Shelby County District Attorney’s Office (@ShelbyCountyDA) October 21, 2024
Surveillance cameras at Shelby Farms captured footage of the suspect’s vehicle, and a witness provided a photo of the CRV parked behind Young’s Jeep during the shooting. This evidence led to a “Be on the Lookout” (BOLO) alert being issued for the vehicle.
Later, officers in Mason, Tennessee, spotted the CRV. Tipton County deputies joined in and initiated a chase, ultimately leading to the suspect’s apprehension.
High-Speed Chase Across Multiple Counties Ends in Arrest After Fatal Shooting at Shelby Farms
According to the Tipton County Sheriff, a high-speed chase that began following the fatal shooting at Shelby Farms escalated dramatically when the suspect, Jackson Hopper, attempted to run over a Tipton County Constable in Covington. The constable was deploying stop sticks to halt the fleeing suspect’s vehicle, a white Honda CRV, when Hopper swerved toward him.
Jackson Hopper appeared before a judge for arraignment today.
— Kayla Solomon (@KSolomonReports) October 21, 2024
His attorney, Leslie Ballin, says they’re entering a not guilty plea.
Bond hearing scheduled for next Monday. He’ll be held in custody at the jail at 201 Poplar until then. @FOX13Memphis https://t.co/s04a4AsaIo pic.twitter.com/0ksHgBZupf
The chase continued through Lauderdale and Dyer Counties, with Hopper reportedly driving the wrong way into oncoming traffic. In Dyer County, he attempted to run over another deputy before a Dyer County officer successfully crashed into the vehicle to stop it.
Upon arrest, Hopper resisted and fought with deputies. A firearm was later recovered from his CRV. Authorities confirmed that Hopper had recently broken up with the victim, Ellie Claire Young, who had been shot earlier that day.
A GoFundMe page has been established to support Young’s family during this difficult time. Donations can be made through the provided link.
Jackson Hopper, 26, of #Tennessee, has been charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of his ex-girlfriend, Ellie Young, 22, a medical student at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. The incident occurred on October 19 at Shelby Farms Visitor's Center… pic.twitter.com/QvCC8pxYKL
— True Crime Updates (@TrueCrimeUpdat) October 22, 2024
