Mississippi police arrest suspect in death of Black woman found hanged
Jackson police have arrested a 51-year-old man charged with murder in the homicide of Tasia Fortune, whose body was discovered hanging from a tree in August, and say further arrests may follow.
Police in Jackson, Mississippi, announced the arrest of Jarques Ratliff, 51, on a murder charge in connection with the death of Tasia Fortune, whose body was found hanging from a tree on the lot of an abandoned home in August. The medical examiner has ruled the death a homicide, and investigators have interviewed 15 people so far.
"That arrest today is an important development in this investigation, but it is not the conclusion. This case remains active," Jackson Police Chief RaShall Brackney said at a news conference.
Chief Brackney noted an "association" between Ratliff and Fortune but did not provide further details, adding that additional arrests could be pending as the investigation continues. The police department said it has been in regular contact with Fortune's mother, stepfather and biological father throughout the case.
Fortune's mother, Christy Spivey, expressed relief at the arrest but emphasized the need for the correct person to be held accountable. She had previously complained about limited communication from authorities.
The case has drawn national attention amid concerns about recent reports of Black individuals found hanging from trees. More than 50 members of Congress have urged the FBI and the Justice Department to investigate what they describe as possible modern-day lynchings, citing at least ten similar incidents reported this year.