Mississippi police arrest suspect in homicide of Jackson mother Tasia Fortune

Jackson police said they arrested 51-year-old Jarques Ratliff on a murder charge following the medical examiner’s homicide ruling in the death of Tasia Fortune, a 29-year-old mother of four whose body was found hanging from a tree behind an abandoned home on Aug. 3. Chief RaShall Brackney told a news conference that Ratliff was taken into custody without incident while walking on Capitol Street after officers executed search warrants at related properties.

The homicide classification, issued late Thursday, allowed detectives to obtain arrest and search warrants, which were carried out by the robbery-homicide unit. Brackney said the investigation remains ongoing and additional warrants may be issued as leads develop.

"We understand that this case has received media attention from across the globe and across the community. We understand the questions and the desire for answers given Mississippi's history," Brackney said, adding that law-enforcement statements are based on verifiable evidence.

Fortune’s mother, Christy Spivey, said she was notified of the homicide ruling and her daughter’s arrest, expressing confidence that her daughter did not die by suicide. The family noted that Fortune had been working to start a cleaning business after periods of homelessness.

Ratliff is being held at the Hinds County Detention Center. State defender André de Gruy said Ratliff is scheduled to appear in Jackson Municipal Court by Monday, where formal charges will be read and bond conditions set. Police have not disclosed the specific evidence linking Ratliff to the scene.