Detective says Tasia Fortune's hanging appears staged, possible earlier killing uncovered in court
A Mississippi detective told a court that the hanging of 29-year-old Tasia Fortune was likely staged and that she may have been killed elsewhere before being found behind an abandoned home.
A detective testifying in a murder case said investigators believe the hanging of Tasia Fortune was staged and that she may have been killed at a different location before her body was discovered behind an abandoned home in Jackson, Mississippi. The comments were made during a hearing for Jarques Ratliff, one of two men charged with her murder.
Fortune, 29, was found hanging from a tree on Aug. 3, and authorities think she may have been dead for two to three days before the discovery. A motive and cause of death have not been released.
"My client said he’s not involved and that’s absolutely what I believe," said Ratliff’s attorney, Toney Baldwin, who urged that the truth be revealed.
The detective suggested the case could involve a dispute over missing illegal narcotics, but declined to provide further details while the grand jury continues to review evidence.
Fortune’s mother, Christy Spivey, expressed a desire to learn what evidence police have.
The other suspect, Earnest Lloyd Jr., is accused of having a physical altercation with Fortune shortly before her death and of using a black cable cord in the hanging, according to a local news report. Police have also obtained a warrant for a third suspect.