Mississippi authorities have arrested a local man, Jarques Ratliff, aged 51, on a murder charge. This follows the official ruling on the homicide of Tasia Fortune, a 29-year-old Black mother of four. Fortune was found hanging from a tree behind an abandoned house last month.
Amid discussions about racial violence in Mississippi, law enforcement confirmed Ratliff’s arrest. Ratliff, a Black resident of Jackson, had a prior personal connection with Fortune.
“Widespread modern-day lynchings” was the claim by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez regarding hanging deaths of Black Americans, urging the Department of Justice to investigate.
Jackson Police Chief RaShall Brackney announced Ratliff’s arrest during a news conference. He was detained without incident while walking along Capitol Street in Jackson after search warrants were executed at relevant locations.
Chief Brackney considers Ratliff’s arrest a notable progress but indicated the investigation remains ongoing. Additional arrest warrants could be served as new leads emerge.
Fortune’s body was discovered on August 3 behind a vacant home in the 500 block of Road of Remembrance in Jackson. Hundreds of hours were invested in interviewing 15 individuals and reviewing evidence before arrest warrants were served. This awaited the official homicide classification from the Mississippi State Medical Examiner’s Office.
Chief Brackney addressed the public’s interest, mentioning law enforcement’s commitment to evidence rather than speculation. Highlighting Mississippi’s history, she emphasized the importance of ensuring public statements rely on verifiable forensic details.
There were no official persons of interest before Ratliff’s arrest, dismissing social media reports about a 65-year-old suspect.
Fortune’s mother, Christy Spivey, was promptly informed about the homicide ruling and Ratliff’s arrest. She praised police efforts and reiterated her firm belief that her daughter did not commit suicide.
Fortune, originally from Kentucky, excelled as a cross-country runner and held strong religious faith. She relocated to Jackson a decade ago, facing homelessness while attempting to establish a cleaning business before her death.
Ratliff is being held at Hinds County Detention Center, charged with murder. His initial appearance in Jackson Municipal Court is imminent, where formal charges will be read, and bond conditions established. Details on Ratliff’s connection with the crime scene or his relationship with Fortune have not been publicly disclosed. Further arrests remain possible.