Jackson police arrest man in death of Tasia Fortune, found hanging in Jackson
The Jackson Police Department arrested 51-year-old Jarques Ratliff on Friday in connection with the death of Tasia Fortune, a 29-year-old woman found hanging from a tree in west Jackson in August, authorities said.
The medical examiner’s office classified Fortune’s death as a homicide Thursday night. Following that determination, police obtained two search warrants and arrested Ratliff, according to Jackson Police Chief RaShall Brackney. Fortune’s family was notified of the arrest immediately, Brackney said.
Brackney noted additional arrests are anticipated. She said officers saw Ratliff walking along Capitol Street, near where Fortune was found, and took him into custody Friday afternoon. The chief also confirmed that Fortune knew Ratliff but declined to elaborate on their relationship.
Authorities emphasized the ongoing nature of the investigation. Brackney told reporters that investigators had interviewed nearly 15 people but could not proceed with warrants until the autopsy confirmed the death was a homicide. As of Friday afternoon, Ratliff’s name did not appear in the Hinds County jail log; he reportedly has a Jackson address.
The case has attracted national scrutiny because of the manner of Fortune’s death, which evoked memories of lynching history in the South. Brackney acknowledged concerns about the case being viewed through a broader, more global lens but emphasized the importance of evidence-based communication. She urged patience as investigators continue their work.
Fortune, a native of Kentucky, was the mother of four children. Her family has shared limited details about her life in Jackson but said she struggled with addiction and was often destitute. A memorial has been set up at the site where she was found, featuring flowers, balloons, teddy bears, and a framed photo of her.
Source: Original Article
