Killer Accepts Plea Deal in Charity Walk Murder

Jackson Hopper, 27, has accepted a plea deal for the 2024 shooting death of his ex-girlfriend, Ellie Claire Young. Hopper pleaded guilty to second-degree murder on Wednesday, April 15, avoiding a trial scheduled for July. He was sentenced to 40 years in prison.

The plea agreement was reached in cooperation with Young's family, who had previously been informed of a potential deal in February. Judge Carlyn Addison expressed sympathy to the family, hoping this resolution would aid their healing process and allow them to find rest.

Young was found with multiple gunshot wounds on October 19, 2024, at the Shelby Farms Visitor's Center in Memphis, where she was participating in an American Cancer Society charity walk. Hopper allegedly fired shots into her vehicle and then at her as she lay on the ground.

Following the shooting, Hopper fled the scene, leading to a police chase in Tennessee. He faces additional charges, including aggravated assault and evading arrest, from incidents during the chase. Young's family has also filed a $10 million wrongful death lawsuit against Hopper, which was on hold pending the criminal case's resolution.