Ellie Claire Young was murdered by her ex-boyfriend during a cancer hike
Ellie Claire Young, a 22-year-old Tennessee medical student, died during a cancer charity walk after being shot by her ex-boyfriend. Authorities later identified the shooter as 26-year-old Jackson Hopper.
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Details on the tragic death of a Tennessee medical student
On October 19, at 12:15 p.m., officers responded to a report of a shooting in the parking lot of the Shelby Farms Visitor Center in Memphis. EVERYBODY reports that Elie Claire Young, a young woman at the American Cancer Society’s “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” walk. Authorities eventually found Young lying near her Jeep Wrangler with multiple gunshot wounds.
Witnesses claim that Ellie was parking her Jeep when a white Honda CR-V with temporary Kentucky license plates pulled up behind her. Police allege that the driver, Jackson Hopper from Tiptonville, fired two shots into the back of her Jeep, according to PEOPLE. When Ellie got out of the car, Hopper shot her again while she was lying on the ground. The license plate camera at the park entrance recorded Ellie’s Jeep leaving at 12:11 p.m., with Hopper’s SUV following close behind.
Detectives found five 9mm artillery shell casings and three live bullets at the scene. The incident sparked an 80-mile high-speed chase that authorities say ended with Hopper crashing his car. According to United States todayPolice arrested Jackson Hopper after the chase. Reports say his vehicle overturned into a barrier in the middle of a road in Dyer County. Family members told authorities that Ellie had recently broken up with Jackson.
Sheriff Shannon Beasley of Tipton County, whose officers were involved in Jackson Hopper’s arrest, has opened an internal investigation to look into the incident. CBS News.
“We are working alongside other agencies and officials as we conduct our internal investigation into this matter. Review of body camera and car camera footage, as well as witness statements, are being reviewed and turned over to the Attorney General’s Office. We will review all appropriate documents before drawing any conclusions, and we ask everyone to do the same,” Beasley said in a statement. declared on Facebook.
More on Ellie Claire Young & What’s Next for Jackson Hopper
USA Today notes that authorities accused Jackson Hopper of shooting Ellie Claire Young. Jail records show he is currently being held without bail in Shelby County.
Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy told WREG that his office asked the court to deny bail until a hearing, citing the severity of the case.
“The murder of Ellie Young at Shelby Farms Park is a heartbreaking tragedy and I extend my deepest condolences to her family and friends,” Mulroy stated.
Family and friends came together for a vigil to remember the life of Ellie Claire Young on Tuesday (October 22). Many shared how much she meant to them and the world.
“Ellie is the light of this world,” relative Hollie McMillian told USA Today. “That is what her name means and that is how I choose to remember her.”
ONE GoFundMe set up for Ellie’s family to cover her funeral expenses is nearing its $50,000 goal. The fundraiser’s caption expressed sadness over the Tennessee medical student’s passing and mentioned her dream of becoming a doctor.
“It is with a heavy heart that I reach out to my community to assist with funeral and memorial expenses for Ellie Claire Young. Ellie was taken from us too soon. A beautiful soul inside and out, Ellie has dedicated her life to serving others and is on her way to becoming an accomplished doctor,” the caption reads.
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