DA’s office seeks life sentence for Jackson Hopper, accused of killing ex-girlfriend at Shelby Farms

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Shelby County District Attorney’s Office is seeking life without the possibility of parole for Jackson Hopper, the man who allegedly shot and killed his ex-girlfriend Ellie Young at Shelby Farms in 2024.

“This is the beginning of a long process that we are committed to handling with efficiency and care,” Prosecutor Monica Timmerman said. “We are equally as committed to seeking justice for Ellie Young and her family.”

On Oct. 19, Shelby Farms was hosting a breast cancer walk when Ellie Young was shot at 12:15 p.m. in the parking lot of the Visitor Center.

Hopper, the alleged shooter, fled Shelby County in an attempt to evade law enforcement.

Young died on the scene and the Hopper initially got away but was later detained in Dyer County after a high-speed multi-county chase.

Original story: Woman dead after getting shot at Shelby Farms; suspect detained

He allegedly attempted to use his vehicle to run over a Dyer County sergeant who set up spike strips at the county line.

Following a PIT maneuver by a Dyer County deputy, the suspect’s vehicle crashed, ending the pursuit.

Hopper allegedly began fighting officers while they attempted to apprehend him. He was eventually taken into custody and a firearm was located inside his vehicle.

Tipton County Sheriff Shannon Beasley said that the suspect will face charges in both Tipton and Shelby Counties and possibly others.

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