The headlines were everywhere last October. People in Memphis and across Tennessee were scrolling through their feeds and saw a name that would soon become synonymous with a tragedy that feels like a gut punch every time you think about it. Ellie Young Memphis TN wasn't just a search term; she was a 22-year-old medical student with a future that looked like "walking sunshine," according to those who knew her.
Honestly, the details are heavy. On a Saturday at noon, while most of the city was just getting their weekend started, Ellie was at Shelby Farms Park. She wasn't just there to hang out; she was participating in the American Cancer Society’s "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer" walk. She had just finished a long week of studying at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC).
She was getting into her Jeep Wrangler in the visitor center parking lot. That’s when it happened. A white Honda CR-V pulled up. Shots were fired.
The Reality of the Shelby Farms Incident
Most people think of Shelby Farms as a place for families and joggers. It’s supposed to be safe. But on October 19, 2024, that sense of security was shattered. Witnesses saw the whole thing. They saw a man, later identified as Jackson Hopper, 26, fire into the back of Ellie’s Jeep.
When she tried to get out, he didn't stop.
Police records and affidavits describe a scene that is hard to stomach. Hopper allegedly fired again while Ellie was lying on the ground. She was pronounced dead at the scene at 12:36 p.m. It was senseless. It was fast. And it was deeply personal.
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Who Was Ellie Claire Young?
To understand why this hit the Memphis community so hard, you’ve gotta look at who Ellie was before that day. She was a high school valedictorian. She graduated with honors from UT Martin in May 2024.
By August, she was wearing a white coat at UTHSC. She had only been in medical school for a couple of months, but she’d already been elected to the Class Council. Her friends say she could make friends with anyone. She was the kind of person who spent her limited free time volunteering for cancer walks.
The Pursuit and the Legal Fallout
Hopper didn't stick around. He took off, leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase that crossed three counties and covered about 80 miles. It ended in Dyer County when his car flipped over after a tactical maneuver by police.
The arrest itself became its own controversy.
Video surfaced of officers appearing to punch Hopper during the take-down. This led to internal affairs investigations and eventually, several officers were charged with official misconduct. But for Ellie's family, the focus remained on the person who took her life.
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The $10 Million Lawsuit
In December 2024, Ellie’s father, David Young, filed a massive wrongful death lawsuit. It isn't just against Jackson Hopper; it’s against his mother, Martha Hopper, too.
The lawsuit is revealing and, frankly, frustrating to read. It claims that Ellie had broken up with Hopper because he became "aggressive and controlling" once she moved to Memphis for medical school. Her family was worried. They even thought about getting a restraining order.
The suit alleges that Martha Hopper told Ellie’s family a restraining order wasn't necessary. She reportedly told them her son would never hurt anyone and that he’d moved away to start over. However, the filing claims the mother knew her son had been physically abusive with at least three previous girlfriends who were "in fear for their lives."
The family says they relied on her word. They didn't get the order.
Where the Case Stands Now
Hopper is currently being held without bond. He pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder. His trial was originally set for sooner, but like many high-profile cases, the dates have shifted. As of the latest updates, the trial is scheduled to begin on February 9, 2026.
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He’s also facing a slew of charges in other counties related to the chase—reckless driving, felony evading, and possession of a firearm during a dangerous felony.
Moving Forward: Identifying the Signs
The "Ellie Young Memphis TN" story is a stark reminder that domestic violence doesn't always look like a black eye. Sometimes it looks like a "controlling" partner who can't handle a breakup or a move to a new city.
The UTHSC community held a candlelight vigil where students wore their white coats in her honor. They’re trying to keep her light from going out.
If you or someone you know is dealing with an aggressive or controlling partner, don't wait for "proof" of physical harm before taking it seriously. Organizations like the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE) provide resources that are available 24/7.
Actionable Steps for Safety:
- Trust the gut feeling: If a partner’s behavior changes during a transition (like a move or a graduation), take it as a red flag.
- Document everything: Keep a record of aggressive texts or controlling behavior, even if you aren't ready to go to the police yet.
- Seek an Order of Protection: In Tennessee, you don't always need physical "proof" of a hit to seek protection if there is a reasonable fear of harm.
- Safety Planning: If you are leaving a relationship, do it with a plan in place. Reach out to local Memphis groups like the Family Safety Center for help with a "leak-proof" exit strategy.