Crime
Medical student murdered by ex-boyfriend during cancer walk at Shelby Farms Park in Memphis
Several park-goers watched in horror as the woman was gunned down.
UPDATE: A tragic shooting incident occurred on Saturday at Shelby Farms Park, resulting in the death of a 22-year-old woman identified as Ellie Claire Young.
A 26-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of 22-year-old Ellie Claire Young on Saturday at Shelby Farms Park.
Jackson Hopper, the victim’s ex-boyfriend, has been charged with first-degree murder.
Authorities have confirmed that the shooting was domestic-related, stemming from a previous relationship between Hopper and Young.
The shooting took place around 12:15 PM in the parking lot of the Visitor Center. Emergency medical services responded to the scene, but sadly, Young was pronounced deceased by Memphis Fire Department paramedics.
The suspect fled the scene following the shooting, leading to a multi-county high-speed pursuit that involved law enforcement agencies from Shelby County, Tipton County, and Lauderdale County.
The pursuit transitioned through these counties, with the suspect driving recklessly against oncoming traffic on Highway 51.
Dyer County Deputy Newman heroically performed a PIT maneuver to stop the suspect’s vehicle just inside Dyer County.
The suspect was taken into custody and transported to a local emergency room for evaluation.
A loaded handgun was recovered from the suspect’s vehicle.
Dyer County Sheriff Jeff Box stated, โOur agency is praying for the family of the young woman and we are thankful Sgt. Waller and Deputy Newman were not hurt as they performed their sworn duties to serve and protect our citizens. Furthermore, we appreciate all the agencies coming together which include Shelby County, Tipton County, Lauderdale County, Mason PD, and the THP.โ
ORIGINAL REPORT:
Memphis, TN โ A tragic shooting incident occurred on Saturday afternoon at Shelby Farms Park, resulting in the death of a woman.
The shooting took place around 12:15 PM in the parking lot of the Visitor Center.
Emergency medical services responded to the scene, but unfortunately, the victim was pronounced deceased by Memphis Fire Department paramedics.
Sources informed Channel2 NOW that the woman was a cancer survivor.
The suspect fled the scene in a white vehicle following the shooting.
The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) has announced that a person of interest has been detained in Dyer County in connection with the incident.
Shelby Farms Park released the following statement:
There is no threat to visitor or public safety. This is an active investigation and we are referring all questions to the Shelby County Sheriffโs Office.
We are deeply saddened by the incident that occurred at the Park in the Visitor Center parking lot today.
The park is referring all questions to the SCSO for further information.
Authorities are actively investigating the shooting and gathering additional details.
The serene and family-friendly atmosphere of Shelby Farms Park was shattered by the violence.
The area has been cordoned off as law enforcement officials gather evidence and conduct their investigation.oman’s lifeless body, which has since been covered by a tarp as the investigation proceeds.
Crime
16-year-old Khyon Smith-Tate found shot to death inside Chipotle bathroom on edge of Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA โ A 16-year-old boy was fatally shot inside the bathroom of a Chipotle restaurant near Temple Universityโs campus in North Philadelphia on Monday afternoon, police said, as students and staff returned for the first day of the Spring 2026 semester.
The shooting occurred at approximately 5:00 p.m. inside the Chipotle located in the 1100 block of West Montgomery Avenue, on the ground floor of The View at Montgomery apartment complex. The building is situated near Temple Universityโs Student Center and TECH Center.
Police later identified the victim as Khyon Smith-Tate, a North Philadelphia resident. Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said Smith-Tate was found with a gunshot wound to the chest and was pronounced dead at 5:24 p.m.
Temple University President John Fry and Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police Jennifer Griffin issued a joint statement following the incident:
โThe loss of life to gun violence is a profound tragedy, and there are no words that can make sense of it. Our thoughts are with the victimโs family and loved ones.โ
According to investigators, Smith-Tate and another minor entered the restaurant and requested access to the restroom. Chief Inspector Small said the shooting is believed to have occurred inside the bathroom.
Moments later, employees discovered Smith-Tate suffering from a gunshot wound. Police recovered one spent shell casing from a semiautomatic weapon inside the restroom.
Although the victimโs last known address was approximately eight blocks from the scene, authorities have not indicated what brought him to the location or what led to the shooting.
At the time of the incident, the restaurant was crowded, and multiple individuals inside the business were detained briefly for questioning. However, police said they have not yet obtained any statements from witnesses who reported hearing a gunshot.
A person of interest was taken into custody several blocks from the scene shortly after the shooting, but Chief Inspector Small said that individualโs involvement remains unclear.
As of Tuesday, police confirmed that no arrests have been made and no motive has been established.
Investigators believe Smith-Tate entered the restroom with another minor, though the whereabouts of that individual remain unknown.
Police are also seeking information about three possible suspects, described as teenagers carrying backpacks.
Chief Inspector Small noted that the area is equipped with numerous surveillance cameras, which detectives are reviewing as part of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities are asking anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Philadelphia Police Department.