MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC/Gray News) – A 22-year-old Tennessee woman studying to be a doctor was shot and killed right after volunteering at a breast cancer awareness walk. Her ex-boyfriend is now facing murder charges, WMC reports.
Deputies responded to a shooting just before 12:20 p.m. Saturday at Shelby Farms Park in Memphis. They found 22-year-old Ellie Young lying on the ground near her Jeep Wrangler. She had multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene, according to an affidavit.
Witnesses say they saw Young sitting in her Jeep Wrangler while parked in a parking lot when a man in a white Honda CRV fired two shots behind her Jeep. Young then got out of her Jeep, and the man fired at least another shot at her as she was lying on the ground, according to the affidavit. He then got into his car and drove away from the scene.
The man suspected in Young’s death has been identified as her ex-boyfriend, 26-year-old Jackson Hopper. He pleaded not guilty Monday to a first-degree murder charge he faces in Shelby County, according to his attorney, Leslie Ballin.
Young’s family told deputies the couple had a recent breakup.
Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy says his office requested no bond in Hopper’s case while he waits for a hearing.
Young, a student at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, was killed right after she volunteered at an annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walk. As her family and friends process her death, they are sharing what they remember most about her.
“Ellie was kind, genuine, passionate, determined and selfless,” said Danni Fewell, Young’s friend and sorority sister.
Through her studies, Young was pursuing her dreams of becoming a doctor, just like her older sister. Fewell says the 22-year-old always talked about wanting to become a doctor to make a difference.
“The joy she brought into every room was just contagious to everyone around her,” Fewell said. “Her bright future as a doctor was something she looked forward to for as long as I knew her. She was determined to change the world.”
Family and friends say Young’s death was sudden but described her as a light among everyone.
“Ellie embodied everything that someone could ask for in a friend and more,” Fewell said. “Her smile was seen and her laugh was heard from over a mile away.”
A GoFundMe has been set up to help Young’s family with funeral expenses.
Chi Omega, the Xi Zeta Chapter at the University of Tennessee at Martin, plans to hold a candlelight vigil for Young on Tuesday night. The chapter released the following statement regarding her death:
“We are deeply saddened and at a loss of words for the recent passing of our sister, Ellie Young. She was a light in every room she walked in. She was kind, smart, humble, genuine, and a role model to all of us. There will never be another one like her. We ask that you keep Ellie’s family, friends, and the sisters of Chi Omega in your prayers.”
In addition to the murder charge, Hopper is facing multiple charges in Tipton County, including reckless driving, aggravated assault and reckless endangerment. Charges may be forthcoming in Lauderdale County, as well.
The 26-year-old will remain in jail until his bond hearing, which is set for Monday.
Copyright 2024 WMC via Gray Local Media, Inc. All rights reserved.