Mississippi police arrest suspect in homicide of Tasia Fortune, investigations continue
Jackson police have arrested Jarques Ratliff on homicide charges in the death of Tasia Fortune, whose body was found hanging from a tree, and say additional arrests are expected as the investigation proceeds.
Jackson, Miss. – Police announced Friday that 51-year-old Jarques Ratliff was arrested on a homicide charge in connection with the death of 29-year-old Tasia Fortune, whose body was discovered hanging from a tree in an abandoned home on Aug. 3. The arrest follows a homicide ruling by the state medical examiner and the execution of existing warrants, police said.
Jackson Police Chief RaShall Brackney said Ratliff had an "association" with Fortune but declined to provide details, adding that the case remains active and that further arrests are anticipated as investigators follow new evidence. Ratliff is scheduled to appear in municipal court by Monday morning, according to state defender André de Gruy.
Fortune’s mother, Christy Spivey, expressed relief at the arrest but noted that authorities have not disclosed a motive or whether DNA evidence led to the suspect. She said the family still lacks many answers and continues to seek information about her daughter’s death.
The investigation, which began after officers found Fortune’s body in the backyard of the vacant property, is ongoing. Police have not responded to additional media inquiries, and it is unclear whether Ratliff is being represented by a public defender.
Fortune, a mother of four who had lived in Jackson for about a decade after a childhood in foster care, was remembered by family as a former cross-country runner and a person of strong faith. Her obituary highlighted her resilience and plans to start a cleaning business before her death.