Jackson, Mississippi police announced Saturday that an arrest has been made in the death of Tasia Fortune, a Black woman whose body was discovered hanging from a tree in August. Authorities stated that additional arrests are anticipated as the investigation continues.
Jarques Ratliff, 51, was arrested Friday on a homicide charge, according to Jackson Police Chief RaShall Brackney. Ratliff had an "association" with Fortune, though the nature of their relationship was not immediately specified. He is expected to appear in Jackson Municipal Court by Monday morning.
The state medical examiner's office determined Fortune's death to be a homicide on Thursday, which allowed police to execute existing warrants. Police confirmed the investigation remains active and that they are pursuing all evidence.
Fortune's mother, Christy Spivey, expressed relief and gratitude upon learning of the arrest but noted that many questions remain unanswered regarding the motive or specific evidence that led to Ratliff's apprehension. Spivey maintained her certainty that her daughter, 29, would not have died by suicide.
Fortune's body was found hanging from a tree in the backyard of an abandoned home in Jackson on August 3. According to an obituary, Fortune faced challenges throughout her life, including a period in foster care and struggles with homelessness in recent years. She was described as a mother of four, an athlete, and a person of strong faith.
Services for Fortune were held in Kentucky last month. Her family has urged for her name to be remembered and for the pursuit of answers to continue.