Jackson police arrest second suspect in death of Tasia Fortune, seek third warrant
Jackson authorities have taken a second man into custody and issued a warrant for a third suspect in the homicide of Tasia Fortune, who was found hanging behind an abandoned home.
Jackson police announced Tuesday that a second suspect, identified as 25-year-old Earnest Lloyd Jr., has been arrested and charged with homicide in the death of Tasia Fortune. Police Chief RaShall Brackney made the statement during a city council meeting, adding that U.S. Marshals are assisting with a warrant for a third suspect.
Fortune, a Black woman, was discovered hanging from a tree behind an abandoned residence in August, a case that attracted national attention due to Mississippi’s history of racially motivated violence. Earlier this month, 51-year-old Jarques Ratliff was arrested and charged with murder; he has pleaded not guilty and was denied bond.
Both Ratliff and Lloyd are Black, and police have not released details about a motive or the cause of death. The department said Ratliff had an "association" with Fortune but offered no further information. Detectives continue to pursue additional warrants, and the chief indicated more arrests are expected as the investigation proceeds.