Ex-boyfriend charged in connection to deadly shooting of med student Ellie Young
A 22-year-old woman was fatally shot last weekend in Memphis, Tennessee, resulting in the arrest of her ex-boyfriend, authorities said.
According to the Shelby County Sheriff's Office, the incident occurred at a public park's parking lot at about 12:15 p.m. on Saturday. First responders determined the victim, identified as Ellie Claire Young, was deceased at the scene.
The alleged shooter fled from the scene and tried to leave the area but was later arrested by detectives. Jackson Hopper is facing first-degree murder and a slew of other charges.
"Hopper is the ex-boyfriend of the victim and this homicide is apparently domestic-related, but the investigation is ongoing," the sheriff's office added.
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'She was walking sunshine'
Hopper is accused of shooting Young, a medical student at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, during a walk for breast cancer in a parking lot at Shelby Farms, according to WMC. Family and friends gathered together for a vigil to honor her life on Tuesday.
“Ellie was a light in this world," relative Hollie McMillian told the outlet. "That’s what her name means, and that’s how I’m going to choose to remember her."
A GoFundMe established for her family for funeral-related expenses has raised nearly $44,000.
"Ellie was taken from us too soon. 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 fundraiser's caption said. "She was walking sunshine, and the world is now a darker place without her."
Her sorority, Chi Omega-Xi Zeta Chapter, shared their condolences in a heartfelt tribute, calling her Young a "role model.
"There will never be another one like her," the post said.
Video of Hopper's arrest sparks investigation
Police pursued Hopper, 26, through different counties before he was detained. According to WREG, deputies executed a PIT maneuver during the chase, resulting in him crashing on a highway.
A video of the arrest posted by the outlet shows a group of armed law enforcement around Hopper's vehicle, which was flipped over.
An official demanded that he show his hands. Moments later, he was pulled out of the vehicle and appeared to be struck while on the ground, per the video.
"Oh, he's hitting him for no...reason," a bystander could be heard saying in the video while Hopper was being restrained.
Toward the end of the video, Hopper is seen being escorted and placed in the back seat of a patrol car. The incident left him with black eyes.
Sheriff Brian Kelley of the Lauderdale County Sheriff's Office released a statement in response to the cell phone video.
"Based on the arrest footage, the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with other participating agencies, is conducting an internal affairs investigation into any allegations of officer misconduct by reviewing body-worn and vehicle-mounted cameras, written reports, witness statements, and any other resource available," the statement said.
Kelley continued: "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. Any findings will be made public when applicable and based on the recommendations of the District Attorney of the 25th Judicial District."
Hooper appeared in court, pleaded not guilty: Reports
According to reports from local news outlets, Hopper appeared in court on Monday and pleaded not guilty. The local district attorney, Steve Mulroy, is working to prevent him from getting a bond.
Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for Paste BN. You can reach her at tardrey@gannett.com.