MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Dyer County Sheriff’s Office has now issued warrants for the man charged with shooting and killing his ex-girlfriend at Shelby Farms and leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase.
Dyer County Sheriff Jeff Box said they have issued warrants for Jackson Hopper for attempted first degree murder against a law enforcement officer, felony evading arrest in a vehicle, reckless driving, and resisting arrest.
Hopper is charged with first-degree murder in Shelby County for the death of 22-year-old Ellie Claire Young. Hopper is also facing charges in Tipton County for numerous charges, including felony evading, aggravated assault, reckless endangerment, reckless driving, and resisting arrest.
"This suspect shot and killed an innocent woman enjoying the day with her parents. He then began to flee from officers through multiple counties, driving on the wrong side of Highway 51, endangering the lives of officers and many citizens. All in an attempt to escape justice,” said Sheriff Box in a statement.
The shooting and arrest
The shooting happened just after noon on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, in the parking lot of the Visitor Center at Shelby Farms. Deputies arrived to find Ellie Claire Young shot several times, lying on the ground next to her Jeep. She died at the scene. Investigators said the Young and Hopper had recently broken up.
Investigators said Hopper took off after the shooting, and his vehicle was later spotted by police in Mason, Tennessee, who, along with Tipton County deputies, began chasing the suspect.
The Tipton County Sheriff said at one point in Covington, Hopper tried to run over a Tipton County Constable while the Constable was deploying stop sticks.
Sheriff Beasley said the chase continued into Lauderdale and then Dyer County. Authorities said in Dyer, Hopper tried to run over another deputy before a Dyer County deputy crashed into him to stop him as he reportedly continued going the wrong way into oncoming traffic.
“He tried to kill a constable in Tipton County and attempted to kill one of my deputies with his vehicle,” said Sheriff Box. “Upon realizing the threat he posed driving on the wrong side of Highway 51 through Dyersburg - our agency authorized deadly force (a PIT maneuver) to stop this suspect before killing more innocent people.”
Box continued, “He had 70 miles and 4 counties to stop. He refused. He was given multiple commands by officers to show his hands. He refused. Before he was able to shoot officers or attempt to flee on foot, he was pulled from the vehicle with a loaded handgun nearby. Hopper immediately began fighting and resisting while ignoring the loud clear commands from law enforcement officers. He also attempted to take the service weapon of an officer.”
Sheriff Beasley said Hopper fought with deputies as he was arrested, and a gun was later found in his vehicle. Hopper was taken for medical treatment following his arrest, according to the sheriff.
“Law enforcement officers wage war every day on the streets against the most violent criminals to keep innocent people safe - it’s not always easy, pretty, or safe,” said Box. “Officers are sworn to use necessary force in order to get Hopper into handcuffs without any further loss of life which they were eventually able to do. He could have peacefully surrendered or turned himself in to authorities, however, Hopper made it very clear early on that he did not want to go to jail and was not going to jail easily.”
Investigation into arrest after cell phone video surfaces
The Tipton and Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Offices said both agencies are conducting investigations after they became aware of cell phone video of Hopper’s arrest.
Hopper had a black eye and other noticeable scratches as he appeared in court in Shelby County Oct. 21.
“The Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office never condones personnel misconduct but understands that all sources of information must be evaluated before conclusions can be drawn,” said Lauderdale County Sheriff Brian Kelley in a social media post. “Any findings will be made public when applicable and based on the recommendations of the District Attorney of the 25th Judicial District.”
“Based on the cell phone footage, we are working alongside other agencies and officials as we conduct an internal investigation into this matter,” said Sheriff Beasley on social media. A review of body camera and in-car camera footage, as well as witness statements are being reviewed and released to the Attorney General's Office. We will review all pertinent material before drawing any conclusions and we ask that everyone do the same.”
Both departments are asking anyone to contact them if they were a witness or “were affected by Hopper’s reckless driving.”
