MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The man accused of shooting and killing his ex-girlfriend at Shelby Farms Park rejected a plea deal with 40 years behind bars in his first-degree murder case. 

 

The decision was made during a court appearance Wednesday for Jackson Hopper, who is accused of killing his ex-girlfriend, Ellie Young, after a cancer walk in October 2024.

 

The hearing began with Judge Carlyn Addison asking everyone to clear out of the courtroom. When court was back in session, Hopper’s attorney, Leslie Ballin, announced there was a private meeting in the courtroom where Hopper’s mother begged her son to take the plea deal.

 

 

He told the court, “Mr. Hopper, contrary to the advice given to him by his mother, by Mr. Warren, contrary to my opinion as to what the outcome of a jury trial would be, wants to ask, Your Honor, to keep the trial date in July.”

 

After the announcement of no change of plea, Ballin and Hopper went back-and-forth on whether or not he understands what going to trial means. At one point, Ballin asked Hopper, “Have I advised you that I thought the jury would return a verdict as guilty as charged in a trial?”

 

Hopper responded repeatedly, “That is your opinion.”

 

During the hearing, FOX13 also witnessed two outbursts by Hopper.

 

One happened at the very beginning, when Judge Addison called the hearing to order. That’s when Hopper stood up, without warning, and said, “Your Honor, can we please reconsider my plea date? We’re still in works with Tipton County.”

 

Addison responded, “Have a seat, Mr. Hopper.”

 

Hopper told the court part of the reason he was not accepted the 40-year deal is because a deal had not been reached with District Attorney Mark Davidson, who represents Lauderdale and Tipton Counties, where Hopper is also facing charges.

 

 

FOX13 reached out to Davidson to get a response on Hopper’s claims. In a statement, he responded, “[Jackson Hopper] has not even been in Tipton County to be arraigned nor does he have an attorney on record, but we’re ready and prepared to move forward on his cases when the time comes.”

 

A trial date has been set for July 13, 2026, with a status hearing on April 1.