Ex-Boyfriend Arrested After Woman Shot at Shelby Farms Event
SHELBY FARMS, TN – A shocking incident unfolded on Saturday at Shelby Farms Park during a cancer awareness walk, resulting in the tragic death of 22-year-old Ellie Claire Young. The victim was fatally shot in the parking lot of the park’s Visitor Center around 12:15 PM, marking a somber day in what was supposed to be a positive community event. Jackson Hopper, 26, Young's ex-boyfriend, has been arrested in connection with the shooting and is now facing charges of first-degree murder.
Witnesses at the scene described a chaotic and deeply unsettling atmosphere as the shooting took place. Emergency medical teams responded promptly, but despite their efforts, Young was pronounced dead shortly after their arrival. The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office quickly launched an investigation, uncovering key details that have shed light on the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
One witness captured a photograph of Hopper's white Honda CRV parked directly behind Young's Jeep in the Visitor Center parking lot at the time of the shooting. This crucial piece of evidence was quickly examined by investigators. A license plate reader at the entrance of the park confirmed that the vehicle’s Kentucky temporary tags matched those spotted in the area, cementing Hopper’s involvement in the crime.
After the shooting, Hopper fled the scene, sparking a dramatic multi-county high-speed chase that involved law enforcement from Shelby County, Tipton County, and Lauderdale County. The pursuit came to an end in Dyer County, where a deputy successfully deployed a Precision Intervention Technique (PIT) maneuver to stop Hopper’s vehicle. He was apprehended without further resistance and was subsequently taken to a local emergency room for evaluation.
The investigation into the crime has continued to reveal disturbing details. A loaded handgun was discovered inside Hopper’s vehicle, further implicating him in the murder. The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office has expressed its gratitude to the various law enforcement agencies involved in bringing the suspect to justice, including the Dyer County Sheriff’s Office, the Mason Police Department, and the Tennessee Highway Patrol.
Authorities have confirmed that the shooting stemmed from a domestic situation, as Hopper and Young had previously been in a relationship. The incident has rattled the local community, particularly due to the context in which it occurred. Young was participating in a cancer walk event, a moment meant to raise awareness and support for cancer survivors and their families. Instead, the day turned into one of heartbreak and mourning.
Ellie Claire Young is remembered by her family and friends as a resilient and caring individual. Having faced her own health challenges, she was known for her strength and determination. Her tragic death has left those who knew her reeling with grief, and the broader community is grappling with the senseless nature of the violence.
As the investigation continues, local law enforcement is urging anyone with additional information to come forward. Their hope is that community members will assist in ensuring justice is served for Ellie Claire Young and her loved ones. In a statement, the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office emphasized the importance of collaboration and vigilance in cases like this, reminding the public that justice often requires the collective efforts of all involved.
This devastating event is a stark reminder of the persistent threat of domestic violence and the unpredictable nature of such incidents. Domestic-related homicides have become a significant issue across the United States. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), nearly 1 in 4 women experience severe intimate partner physical violence in their lifetime. These acts of violence often leave lasting scars on the families and communities involved.
Hopper remains in custody and will be facing formal charges in the coming days. As the legal process unfolds, the community is left in mourning, trying to process the heartbreaking loss of a young life cut short in such a violent manner. Many are now turning their attention to the broader issue of domestic violence, advocating for increased awareness and resources to help prevent similar tragedies from happening in the future.
The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office and other law enforcement agencies are continuing their thorough investigation, aiming to ensure that all the details of this tragedy come to light. For the family and friends of Ellie Claire Young, the path ahead will be one of grief and remembrance, as they seek justice for the loss of someone they loved dearly.
