Homicide Investigation Continues After Mississippi Woman Found Dead

Detectives in Jackson, Mississippi are probing the death of Tasia Fortune, a 29-year-old Black mother whose body was discovered hanging from a tree in the backyard of an abandoned home in early August. The state medical examiner’s office ruled the death a homicide, prompting police to obtain a warrant and arrest Jarques Ratliff, 51, on a homicide charge. Police chief RaShall Brackney said the arrest is “an important development” but emphasized that the case remains open and that additional arrests are expected as investigators follow new evidence. André de Gruy, Mississippi’s state defender, indicated that Ratliff is to appear in Jackson Municipal Court by early next week.

The Independent

Fortune, originally from Kentucky, spent much of her adult life in Jackson after moving there as a teenager. An obituary from Tucker Funeral Home described her as a former cross-country star who faced a turbulent upbringing, including foster-care placement and periods of homelessness. She was a mother of four children, though she had limited contact with two of them.

The Independent

Chief Brackney reiterated that the homicide ruling enabled the execution of existing warrants and that investigators will continue to pursue leads wherever they lead. State defender de Gruy confirmed the upcoming court appearance but noted that it was unclear whether Ratliff has retained counsel. The police department has not disclosed a motive or any DNA evidence linking the suspect to the crime.

The Independent

• “But it is not the conclusion. This case remains active, and additional arrests will be pending as our investigators continue to follow the evidence wherever it leads,” — Brackney, jackson police chief

The Independent

• “I just started crying and told them ‘thank you, thank you, thank you.’” — Christy Spivey

The Independent

• “We still don’t have a lot of answers,” — Christy Spivey

The Independent

• “Absolutely not. Even if she could climb that tree, no, no, she would never, ever, ever,” — Christy Spivey

The Independent

• “When she was there, there was this pull, like a spiritual pull to her. I needed her. I guess God knew that was going to be it,” — Christy Spivey

The Independent

Authorities have indicated that further arrests are likely as the investigation proceeds. The scheduled court appearance for Jarques Ratliff will occur by early next week, after which additional legal steps may follow depending on the evidence presented. The community and Fortune’s family await answers regarding the circumstances of her death.

The Independent