MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Tipton and Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Offices are conducting investigations into the arrest of the man charged with shooting and killing his ex-girlfriend at Shelby Farms and leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase.
Lauderdale County Sheriff Brian Kelley and Tipton County Sheriff Shannon Beasley both said they became aware of cell phone video of the arrest of Jackson Hopper Oct. 19 in Dyer County. Both sheriffs said their departments are conducting internal investigations into allegations of officer misconduct in the arrest.
Jackson 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.
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 Sheriff 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.”
“This was a very volatile situation with an armed suspect. Each of these law enforcement officers, and hundreds of civilians, lives were at risk while in the pursuit of justice of this fleeing murder suspect,” said Sheriff Beasley on social media. “Based on the cell phone footage, we are working alongside other agencies and officials as we conduct an internal investigation into this matter. 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.”
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. The Tipton sheriff 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.
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.
