Jackson police have arrested 51-year-old Jarques Ratliff, also known as Jock, in connection with the death of Tasia Fortune, whose body was found hanging from a tree behind a vacant house on Road of Remembrance on Aug. 3, according to Jackson Police Chief RaShall Brackney.
Ratliff was taken into custody Friday after authorities executed two search warrants. He was spotted walking along Capitol Street before being detained. He faces a murder charge related to Fortune’s death.
Brackney said investigators have worked extensively on the case, interviewing up to 15 individuals, collecting forensic evidence, and following multiple leads. She emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and that additional arrests could be made.
“This case remains active, and additional arrests will be pending as our investigators continue to follow evidence wherever it leads,” Brackney said. “We cannot speculate about the nature or manner by which Ms. Fortune was killed beyond what has been officially determined by the Medical Examiner.”
The Jackson police chief credited the Hinds County Coroner’s Office, Coroner Jeremiah Howard, and Mississippi Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell for their assistance in the case.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
