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Shelby Farms murder investigated, man pleads guilty to defrauding FedEx

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Monday afternoon was full of public safety news. The afternoon began with the Shelby County Sheriff's Office providing an update on the bust of a drug ring, the status of two murder investigations and the condition of a police officer who was in an accident.

Also on Monday, a man pleaded guilty to defrauding FedEx of more than $750,000 as part of a three-year mail fraud scheme.

Here's what was on the agenda for the week of October 28th.

The Shelby County Sheriff's Office is appealing for additional witnesses to the shooting in Shelby Farms

Shelby County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Anthony Buckner said Monday that investigators need more witnesses in the fatal shooting of Ellie Young at Shelby Farms Park on Oct. 19 after a crab walk.

Although Jackson Hopper, Young's ex-boyfriend, was arrested and charged with her murder, Buckner said investigators needed additional information.

“Although we have a suspect in custody, we are still seeking the public's assistance in providing witness information,” Buckner said during a news conference. “If anyone heard or saw anything at Shelby Farms that day, you need to contact our detectives at (901)379-7625. Our detectives really, really, really need eyewitness information so that we can continue to add or incorporate that information into the case.”

Hopper, 26, was charged with first-degree murder in connection with Young's killing. No bail has been set.

According to a police affidavit, Young was found on the ground near her Jeep Wrangler with “multiple gunshot wounds.” She was pronounced dead at the scene.

More: Man convicted of killing Young Dolph asks for new trial days before sentencing

Previous reporting: Cleotha Abston, man accused of kidnapping and killing Eliza Fletcher, pleads guilty

“Witnesses reported observing the victim parking in the parking lot,” the affidavit states. “A white Honda CRV with a Kentucky Temp tag was driving behind the victim’s Jeep. The white male driver of the Honda CRV fired two shots into the back of the Jeep containing the victim. The victim exited the Jeep Wrangler and the male suspect fired at least one more shot at the victim as he lay on the ground. The suspect then got back into the white Honda and left the scene.

According to the affidavit, the family told sheriff's deputies that Young and Hopper had recently separated.

Hopper was arrested by the Tipton County Sheriff's Office following a pursuit in Mason, Tennessee.

A Florida man pleads guilty to the three-year FedEx mail fraud scheme

Shaun Kavanaugh, 46, pleaded guilty Monday to a mail fraud scheme, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Tennessee said in a news release.

According to prosecutors, Kavanaugh “fraudulently obtained over $750,000” by shipping packages containing “worthless goods” via FedEx. He then claimed that the packages were not delivered and filed claims with FedEx for reimbursement of the contents of the packages by submitting fake invoices with a higher value for the contents of the packages.

“Mr. Kavanaugh's case is a reminder that fraud and the pursuit of quick profits can have serious consequences,” Inspector in Charge Tommy D. Coke of the Atlanta Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service said in a news release. “I am proud of the women and men of the United States Postal Inspection Service for their continued commitment to protecting the U.S. Postal Service and our customers, and for their determination to ensure that those who engage in fraudulent activities are held accountable for their crimes “Activities.”

Kavanaugh faces up to 20 years in prison and could be ordered to pay a fine of up to $250,000 and restitution of up to $764,250. His sentencing is scheduled for February 20.

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The latest cases in Memphis

In a rapid development Monday morning, a case that drew international attention to Shelby County came to an end. Cleotha Abston pleaded guilty to the kidnapping and murder of Memphis teacher Eliza Fletcher more than two years after his arrest and charges.

Abston pleaded guilty to charges of aggravated kidnapping and first-degree murder. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant's civil lawsuit remains in limbo as new attorneys prepare for a second self-defense hearing for the teenager who was punched by Morant at a basketball game in July 2022.

New attorneys for Joshua Holloway, the teenager suing Morant, filed a motion to compel discovery on Oct. 24. According to emails attached to the motion, Holloway's new attorneys did not receive a full disclosure file from his previous attorneys, and Morant's attorneys refused to provide the disclosure because “the source of each article requested in your letter is either Mr. Holloway or a third party to which.” Mr. Holloway has the same access or better access than our customers.”

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