MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A man has been arrested in connection to a shooting at Shelby Farms that left a woman dead, according to the Shelby County Sheriff's Office (SCSO).
SCSO is currently investigating a shooting that happened just after 12 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19 in the parking lot of the Visitor Center at Shelby Farms.
Ellie Claire Young, 22, was found at the scene and was pronounced dead by paramedics.
Jackson Hopper, 26, was the suspect involved in the shooting. SCSO says he fled the scene in a car which led officials on a multi-county high speed pursuit. The Dyer County Sheriff's Office (DCSO) confirmed that the suspect was arrested after a police chase ended in Dyer County.
The pursuit went through Tipton County, Lauderdale County, and was stopped by Dyer County Deputies on Highway 51 as the car continued going the wrong way into oncoming traffic.
Hopper attempted to use his car as a deadly force to run over DCSO Sergeant Lynn Waller, who set up spike strips at the county line.
The pursuit ended when a DCSO deputy performed a PIT maneuver just inside of Dyer County on Highway 51.
Hopper was taken into custody and sent to a local emergency room for evaluation. After searching the suspect's car, a loaded handgun was taken as evidence.
Witnesses told deputies they saw the victim parked in her Jeep Wrangler on the Shelby Farms lot when a white Honda CRV pulled up behind her, according to an affidavit. The man inside then fired two shots into the back of the Jeep. Young came out of the Jeep, went to the ground, and the suspect shot her at least one more time before leaving the scene, witnesses said.
Family members told authorities that Young experienced a recent breakup with Hopper.
Dyer County Sheriff Jeff Box stated:
“Our agency is praying for the family of the young woman and we are thankful Sgt. Waller and Deputy Newman were not hurt as they performed their sworn duties to serve and protect our citizens. Furthermore, we appreciate all the agencies coming together which include Shelby County, Tipton County, Lauderdale County, Mason PD, and the THP.”
SCSO reports that Hopper has been booked at the downtown jail at 201 Poplar and charged with first-degree murder. This homicide appears to be domestic-related, but the investigation is ongoing, and more charges may follow, according to SCSO.
Tipton County Sheriff’s Office said Hopper is also facing charges in Tipton County for possession of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony, felony evading, aggravated assault w/o injury, reckless endangerment, reckless driving, resisting arrest, roadways laned for travel, and speeding 21+MPH.
Shelby Farms Park released the following statement regarding the shooting:
"We are deeply saddened by the incident that occurred at the Park in the Visitor Center parking lot today. There is no threat to visitor or public safety. This is an active investigation and we are referring all questions to the Shelby County Sheriff's Office."
A GoFundMe has been set up for Young's family. Those wishing to donate can do so HERE.
"A beautiful soul inside and out, Ellie dedicated her life towards serving others, and was well on her way to becoming an incredible physician," the GoFundMe page stated. "She was walking sunshine, and the world is now a darker place without her."