Police in Mississippi have arrested Jarques Ratliff, 51, in connection with the homicide of Tasia Fortune, 29, who was found hanging from a tree in Jackson on August 3. Jackson Police Chief RaShall Brackney stated Friday that Ratliff, who is Black, had an “association” with Fortune but declined to elaborate on their relationship. The state medical examiner’s office determined Thursday evening that Fortune’s death was a homicide, allowing police to execute existing warrants. Brackney indicated that additional arrests are expected as the investigation continues.
Loved ones have remembered Fortune as a mother, athlete, and devout woman of faith. Her mother, Christy Spivey, expressed relief at Ratliff’s arrest but stated that police have not shared a motive or details about the evidence leading to the arrest. Spivey affirmed her certainty that her daughter would not have taken her own life, stating, “Absolutely not. Even if she could climb that tree, no, no, she would never, ever, ever.” An obituary noted Fortune’s challenging life path and her achievements as a cross-country runner.
According to André de Gruy, Mississippi's state defender, Ratliff is scheduled to appear in Jackson Municipal Court by Monday morning. He was not listed in Hinds County jail records as of Saturday. Police discovered Fortune’s body in the backyard of an abandoned home. While media attention has been global, authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death and are following leads to identify additional individuals involved.
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