Jackson — Police arrested a man Friday in connection with the death of Tasia Fortune, the 29-year-old woman whose body was found hanging from a tree in Jackson on Aug. 3, authorities announced Sept. 11.
Arrest follows homicide ruling
Jackson Police Chief RaShall Brackney said at a news conference that officers detained Jarques Ratliff, 51, after executing search and arrest warrants. The arrest came the day after the Mississippi State Medical Examiner’s Office determined Fortune’s death was a homicide, which allowed investigators to move forward with criminal charges, Brackney said.
Police stated Ratliff was taken into custody when officers encountered him walking in the street. The department announced that Ratliff faces a charge of murder. Brackney indicated detectives have identified an "association" between Fortune and Ratliff but declined to provide details about its nature.
"That arrest today is an important development in this investigation but it is not the conclusion," Brackney said, adding investigators will "continue to follow the evidence wherever it leads."
Investigation still active
Brackney said investigators conducted nearly 15 interviews, collected forensic evidence and pursued multiple leads before executing the warrants. She warned the case remains active and said the department expects additional arrests may be forthcoming as detectives develop more evidence.
Fortune’s family has expressed grief and a demand for answers since her body was discovered in the backyard of an abandoned house in Jackson on Aug. 3. Her mother, Christy Spivey, reacted after being notified of the arrest, saying she was moved to tears and grateful for the work of authorities.
"I just started crying and told them 'thank you, thank you, thank you,'" Spivey said, according to family statements conveyed by police.
Context and local response
The case drew broader attention because Fortune was Black and died by hanging, a circumstance that evokes Mississippi’s history of racially motivated violence. Brackney addressed that concern directly, acknowledging the scrutiny and saying investigators are taking those worries seriously.
National civil rights attorney Ben Crump and others had called for a thorough investigation following the discovery of her body. Local leaders and residents have pressed for transparency as police pursue leads and forensic testing.
What is known so far
- Victim: Tasia Fortune, 29, found hanging on Aug. 3 in Jackson.
- Arrest: Jarques Ratliff, 51, taken into custody Sept. 11; charged with murder.
- Investigation: State medical examiner ruled the death a homicide on Sept. 10; police executed warrants and say additional arrests are possible.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Aug. 3, 2026 | Fortune’s body discovered hanging from a tree in the backyard of an abandoned home in Jackson. |
| Sept. 10, 2026 | Mississippi State Medical Examiner classifies Fortune’s death as a homicide. |
| Sept. 11, 2026 | Jackson police arrest Jarques Ratliff on a murder charge. |
Next steps and public information
The Jackson Police Department said it will continue forensic testing and interviews as part of the ongoing probe. Officials did not disclose whether DNA or other forensic evidence directly linked Ratliff to the scene, nor did they describe a motive.
Police and prosecutors customarily withhold specific investigative detail while cases remain active; any further charges, evidence releases or court filings will be made public through official channels. The department encouraged anyone with information to contact investigators to assist in the continuing inquiry.
The Fortune family and Ratliff could not be reached immediately for additional comment. WE NEWS has asked the Jackson Police Department and the Hinds County district attorney’s office for further information and will update readers as more facts become public.
This story will be monitored and updated as authorities disclose additional details and as court proceedings proceed.
