Woman shot to death during cancer walk

MEMPHIS, TN – Authorities have identified and charged a man in connection with fatally shooting a 22-year-old woman at Shelby Farms Park, as announced by the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.

Jackson Hopper, 26, was detained at 201 Poplar and accused of first-degree murder, with additional charges being considered. His mugshot was made public early Sunday morning. An affidavit names Hopper as the ex-boyfriend of the victim, Ellie Claire Young, a resident of Henning, Tennessee.

Witnesses documented Hopper’s white Honda CRV parked behind Young’s Jeep at the scene, with Kentucky temporary tags matching those recorded by park entrance surveillance.

The incident unfolded near the park’s visitor center during the American Cancer Society’s “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” event, creating a chaotic scene as attendees realized the gravity of the situation. The shooting reportedly occurred around 12:15 p.m., triggering a police chase that spanned several counties.

Witnesses described the harrowing scene, with Monica Bell recounting how she saw a running woman followed by another before a white vehicle approached and shots were fired. Another witness likened the gunfire to a car backfiring, underscoring the initial disbelief among the crowd.

Following the shooting, Hopper led law enforcement on a chase through Tipton, Lauderdale, and ultimately into Dyer County. The pursuit ended with a forced maneuver along Highway 51, where Hopper was taken into custody after attempting to evade police using dangerous driving tactics, including driving against traffic and attempting to hit a law enforcement sergeant.

Hopper was apprehended and assessed at a local emergency room, and officers discovered a loaded firearm in his vehicle. Sheriff Jeff Box of Dyer County expressed gratitude for the cooperation of regional law enforcement, including those from Shelby, Tipton, and Lauderdale counties, as well as other local agencies.

The incident left park-goers and community members in disbelief, struggling to comprehend the violence that marred what was intended to be an event of hope and solidarity against cancer.