MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A man was sentenced to four decades behind bars for the shooting death of his ex-girlfriend, which occurred during a charity event in 2024. Jackson Hopper, 27, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder for the killing of 22-year-old medical student Ellie Claire Young.
The plea was entered on April 15 in Shelby County Criminal Court, where Hopper had initially faced a first-degree murder charge. The agreement to accept a second-degree charge was made after discussions with Young’s family, who were apprehensive about the emotional toll of a trial. The resolution allows the family to focus on healing after enduring months of legal proceedings.
The tragic incident unfolded on October 19, 2024, at Shelby Farms Park during the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk. Young had returned to her parked Jeep Wrangler when witnesses reported seeing a vehicle driven by Hopper block her exit. The couple had recently ended their relationship, amplifying the tension of the moment.
Surveillance footage captured the harrowing scene, showing Hopper firing multiple shots at Young in a crowded area. Authorities reported that she suffered six gunshot wounds before paramedics pronounced her dead approximately 25 minutes later. At the crime scene, investigators recovered several shell casings, indicating the violent nature of the assault.
Young was a promising medical student at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, known for her dedication to helping others. Family members shared fond memories of her warmth and commitment, stating that she was at the charity event to support a cause she deeply cared about. The shooting shocked the community and shifted the focus of a hopeful event to a somber crime scene, prompting a swift police response.
After the shooting, Hopper fled the scene, leading law enforcement on a dangerous pursuit that crossed county lines. Officers reported his erratic driving, including attempts to evade capture by driving against traffic. The chase concluded when his vehicle crashed, and he was apprehended. The aftermath of the arrest raised concerns, leading to an investigation into police conduct during the incident.
While Hopper has settled the murder case, he still faces multiple charges stemming from the pursuit, including aggravated assault and reckless driving. This ongoing legal process adds complexity to the case, and Young’s family has also filed a wrongful death lawsuit seeking $10 million in damages. The civil case had been paused while the criminal proceedings unfolded.
Following the sentencing, defense attorney Leslie Ballin described the situation as tragic, noting the difficulty of such cases even after many years of practice. Young’s family expressed a desire for privacy as they navigate their grief, emphasizing their relief at avoiding a lengthy trial. Judge Carlyn Addison addressed the family directly in court, expressing her hope that the plea agreement would facilitate their healing process.
Hopper had previously turned down a plea offer but ultimately accepted the terms in April, just ahead of his trial date. The 40-year prison sentence for his actions marks a significant moment in a case that has drawn widespread attention and highlighted the tragic consequences of domestic violence. Legal proceedings continue in other jurisdictions related to the pursuit, while Young’s family seeks accountability through their civil suit.