Crime
22-year-old Ellie Young killed in shooting at Shelby Farms during cancer walk
The suspect was taken into custody and transported to a local emergency room for evaluation.
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.
Sources informed Channel2 NOW that the woman was a cancer survivor.
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.
The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office is continuing their investigation into the incident.
Further details will be released as they become available.
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.
Christian County, Mo. โ Authorities have identified the suspect accused of fatally shooting a deputy with the Christian County Sheriff’s Office during a traffic stop as Richard Bird.
At the time the Blue Alert was issued, the suspect had not yet been taken into custody.
According to law enforcement officials, the deputy initiated a traffic stop involving a 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck along State Highway 160 near Highlandville.
During the stop, the suspect allegedly opened fire, fatally wounding the deputy before fleeing the scene.
The suspect was reported to have traveled southbound on Highway 160 following the shooting.
Authorities described the suspect vehicle as a black 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck equipped with a silver brush guard, black body trim, tinted rear windows, and a three-ball trailer hitch. The vehicle was bearing Missouri license plate 9MG-X36.
A statewide Blue Alert was issued to notify the public and assist in locating the suspect.
Law enforcement officials urged residents not to approach the vehicle or suspect if located, but instead to immediately call 911 and provide detailed information while remaining at a safe distance.
Christian County is situated south of Springfield and north of Branson, an area that sees significant travel due to its proximity to the Ozarks.
Multiple agencies across the region coordinated efforts in response to the alert.
Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting or the status of the investigation.
Law enforcement officials expressed their condolences to the deputyโs family, colleagues, and the community as they continue to pursue justice in the case.