Mississippi police announced on Saturday that the investigation into the death of 29‑year‑old Tasia Fortune, who was found hanging from a tree in Jackson, remains active. A day after a man was arrested, authorities confirmed that the case is still ongoing.
Police identified and arrested 51‑year‑old Jarques Ratliff, a Black man, after encountering him walking on a street. Jackson Police Chief RaShall Brackney said the arrest was a significant development but not the conclusion, adding that additional arrests are expected as investigators follow new evidence. Ratliff faces a homicide charge and is scheduled to appear before Jackson Municipal Court no later than Monday morning.
Fortune’s mother, Christy Spivey, expressed gratitude to police after learning of the arrest, though she said no motive or DNA evidence had been disclosed. Spivey remains in disbelief and shock, noting that her daughter would never have killed herself. She continues to seek answers and maintains that her daughter’s death was a homicide.
Fortune was described by loved ones as a mother, athlete, and woman of faith. An obituary from Tucker Funeral Home highlighted her resilience, her history as a star cross‑country runner, and her struggles with homelessness and foster care. She had four children and was close to her sisters, but rarely saw two of them. Prior to her death, she had spoken about starting a cleaning business.
The state medical examiner determined the death to be a homicide, allowing police to execute existing warrants. No new details were released on Saturday, and Ratliff has not appeared in Hinds County jail records. The investigation continues, with police indicating that further arrests may follow as evidence emerges.
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