Woman, 22, studying to be a doctor, allegedly murdered by ex-boyfriend after recent breakup

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC/Gray News) – A 22-year-old Tennessee woman studying to become a doctor was shot and killed moments after volunteering for a breast cancer awareness walk. Her ex-boyfriend is now charged with murder, WMC reports.

Officers responded to a shooting at Shelby Farms Park in Memphis just before 12:20 a.m. Saturday. They found 22-year-old Ellie Young lying on the ground next to her Jeep Wrangler. She suffered 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 one more shot at her as she lay on the ground, according to the affidavit. He then got into his car and drove away from the accident.

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 in Shelby County, according to his attorney, Leslie Ballin.

Young’s family told officers the couple had recently separated.

Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy says his office has not sought bond in Hopper’s case as he awaits a hearing.

Young, a student at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, was killed moments after she volunteered for an annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walk. As her family and friends come to terms with her death, they share what they remember most about her.

“Ellie was kind, genuine, passionate, determined and selfless,” said Danni Fewell, Young’s friend and sorority sister.

While in college, Young pursued her dreams of becoming a doctor, 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 to every room was just contagious to everyone around her,” Fewell said. “Her bright future as a physician 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 all.

“Ellie embodied everything anyone could ask for in a friend and more,” Fewell said. “Her smile was seen and her laugh was heard from more than a mile away.”

A GoFundMe has been set up to help Young’s family with funeral costs.

Chi Omega, the Xi Zeta Chapter of the University of Tennessee at Martin, plans to hold a candlelight vigil for Young on Tuesday evening. The Chapter released the following statement on her death:

“We are deeply saddened and at a loss for words for the recent passing of our sister, Ellie Young. She was a light in every room she entered. She was kind, smart, humble, sincere and a role model for all of us. There will never be anyone like her again. 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 faces multiple charges in Tipton County, including reckless driving, aggravated assault and reckless endangerment. You may also be charged in Lauderdale County.

The 26-year-old will remain in jail until his bail hearing, scheduled for Monday.

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