Tasia Fortune, 29, was found hanging from a tree behind a vacant home in Jackson, Mississippi, on Aug. 3; authorities have ruled her death a homicide. Detectives told a judge the scene appeared "staged" and that Fortune may have been dead for two to three days before discovery. Police say the killing may be linked to a drug dispute; two suspects have been arrested and a third is wanted. A GoFundMe was set up to help Fortune's four children and the investigation remains active.
Tasia Fortune Found Hanging in ‘Staged’ Scene in Jackson; Detectives Say Homicide May Be Drug-Related
Tasia FortuneCredit: GoFundMe
Tasia Fortune, a 29-year-old mother of four, was discovered hanging from a tree behind a vacant home in Jackson, Mississippi, on Aug. 3. Jackson police have ruled her death a homicide and investigators told a court the scene appears to have been "staged."
Investigation Details
During a Sept. 25 preliminary hearing for suspect Jarques Ratliff, 51, Jackson Police Det. Samuel Dukes testified that evidence suggests Fortune may have been deceased for two to three days before her body was suspended from the tree. Dukes said investigators believe the killing could be linked to a drug-related dispute.
Earnest Lloyd Jr., Tasia Fortune, Jarques RatliffCredit: Jackson Police Department; GoFundMe; Hinds County Mississippi
Det. Dukes testified that Ratliff and Fortune were acquaintances and that Ratliff made statements to officers about the incident. According to Dukes' testimony and local reporting, Ratliff told investigators remarks along the lines of "you would only know if you were there" and commented on Fortune's ability to protect herself.
Charges and Legal Status
Police have arrested two people in connection with the case and have an outstanding arrest warrant for a third. Authorities identified a second suspect as 25-year-old Earnest Lloyd Jr., who is also charged with murder; officials have not publicly detailed Lloyd's alleged role. Ratliff has pleaded not guilty and is being held without bond.
Tasia FortuneCredit: GoFundMe
"My family is not the only family that this is affecting ... The only difference is that mine can never come back. At least they can have telephone visits. I'll never truly have peace," Fortune's mother, Christy Spivey, said following Lloyd's arrest.
Community Reaction and Support
The case drew swift attention in Jackson, with some residents citing Mississippi's historical racial violence in public discussion of the death. Fortune's mother said she does not believe the killing was a hate crime and has expressed sympathy for the families of the accused. A GoFundMe page was created to help cover funeral expenses and support Fortune's four children.
Officials have not publicly released the medical cause of death. Investigators and prosecutors continue to pursue charges and gather evidence as preliminary legal proceedings continue.
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