The court has set a trial date for Jackson Hopper, the man accused of a grim act—the murder of his ex-girlfriend, Ellie Young, at Shelby Farms Park. According to a report by the Shelby County District Attorney's General Office, the trial is scheduled to begin on February 9, 2026.
In the proceedings that took place yesterday, prosecutors, pushing the case forward, are determined to see Hopper face his charges. He is charged with first-degree murder in the killing of 22-year-old Young. After participating in a Breast Cancer Walk in October 2024, Young was fatally shot in the parking lot of Shelby Farms Visitor Center.
Witnesses at the scene provided a narrative of the events, observing Young’s Jeep when another vehicle, a white Honda CRV with Kentucky temporary tags, pulled in behind. It was not long after that, the suspect, later identified as Hopper, reportedly fired multiple shots, one of which struck Young as she exited the Jeep. According to the police report, their relationship had recently ended before the incident.
"The state is prepared to try Mr. Hopper's case and get the justice for Ellie Young that her family deserves," Assistant District Attorney Monica Timmerman stated, as told to the Shelby County District Attorney's General Office. Working closely with Chief Prosecutor Lessie Rainey and the Shelby County Sheriff's Office, the prosecution is standing ready to move ahead with seeking justice. Hopper, as he remains in the legal process, is due back in court for a status hearing that is scheduled for September 4.
