Officials in Jackson, Mississippi, are investigating the death of Tasia Fortune, a 29-year-old Black woman found hanging behind a vacant house on Monday evening. The Hinds County Coroner’s Office identified Fortune, and her body has been sent for an autopsy to the state Medical Examiner’s Office.
Ward 3 Jackson City Councilman Kenneth Stokes has requested assistance from U.S. Attorney Baxter Kruger’s office in the case. In a letter to Kruger's office, Stokes described the situation as a "murder," although authorities have not yet confirmed foul play.
Fortune's family is seeking justice and has described her as a "strong-minded, big-hearted, vibrant young woman." A GoFundMe campaign has been established to help offset funeral expenses.
Fortune was last seen by her sister in July when she visited family in Kentucky. The investigation into her death is ongoing.