MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Next week, six law enforcement officers from Tennessee are set to appear in court facing charges related to their involvement in the arrest of a suspect accused of murdering his ex-girlfriend in a Memphis park. This announcement was made by a district attorney on Tuesday.
The officers were indicted earlier this week on multiple charges linked to the case of Jackson Hopper, 27, who has been charged with first-degree murder for the October shooting of 22-year-old Ellie Young at Shelby Farms Park, as reported by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
According to authorities, Hopper is alleged to have fired two shots at Young’s vehicle while it was parked, and then shot her as she lay on the ground. After the shooting, he reportedly led police on a chase across three counties before crashing his vehicle in Dyer County and eventually being taken into custody.
Bystander video shows the officers striking Hopper after his car crash, leading to discussions about their use of force during the arrest. Currently, Hopper is in jail without bail and has pleaded not guilty to the murder charges, according to his attorney, Leslie Ballin.
Young was a student pursuing a medical degree and was at the park participating in a walk to support the American Cancer Society.
The officers facing charges include Zachary Antle from Mason Police Department; Bryan Lane and Benjamin Stanifer from Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office; and Matthew Lawler, Samuel Chastain, and Dakota Wilkerson from Tipton County Sheriff’s Office. Antle, Lane, Chastain, and Wilkerson are charged with official misconduct, oppression, and assault. Meanwhile, Stanifer and Lawler are facing charges for tampering with evidence.
All six officers surrendered to authorities and were released on bail. They are due to appear in court on February 18, as stated by Dyer County District Attorney Danny Goodman.
Tipton County Sheriff Shannon Beasley has publicly defended his officers, asserting that Hopper had attempted to run over responding officers and was driving recklessly in a manner that endangered others. He commended the officers for their bravery and quick response that halted Hopper before further harm could occur.
Lauderdale County Sheriff Brian Kelley also expressed support for the involved officers, mentioning the complex emotions surrounding the incident, particularly in light of Young’s family’s loss.
Wilkerson’s attorney, Mark Donahoe, has expressed confidence in defending his client in court, stating that they believe no wrongdoing occurred. Jeff Ward, a lawyer representing Chastain, expects to take on his defense, highlighting the determination of the officers’ supporters to stand by them through this legal challenge. Stanifer’s attorney has not provided any comments, and responses from legal representatives for the other officers remain pending.
Dyer County is situated north of Memphis, where these events unfolded.
