Mississippi Mother's Hanging Ruled Staged Homicide; Three Charged

A Mississippi woman found hanged from a tree had already died before her body was discovered, and her death has been ruled a homicide. Tasia Fortune, 29, a mother of four, was found on August 3 outside an abandoned home in Jackson, Mississippi.

Jackson police detective Samuel Dukes stated in a court hearing that Fortune's hanging was staged and that she had been dead for two to three days when officers found her. According to the Associated Press, Dukes revealed that Fortune was killed over a drug dispute and had struggled with her assailants.

The state medical examiner's office officially ruled Fortune's death a homicide on September 10. Her case has drawn attention due to Mississippi's history of lynchings.

Jarques Ratliff, 51, was the first to be taken into custody, followed by Earnest Lloyd Jr., 25, and Eric Clark, 45. All three men are Black and have been charged with murder in connection with Fortune's death.

During a preliminary hearing, Ratliff, who has been charged with murder, stated he was friends with Fortune. Investigators believe Ratliff may have been with Fortune shortly before her death and that she was killed for allegedly taking his illegal drugs. Detective Dukes testified that Ratliff made comments about the incident that suggested he had been present, including details about Fortune's ability to defend herself. Dukes also noted that Ratliff and Fortune had been intimate and stayed at the same property.

Ratliff's attorney questioned the evidence presented, arguing for his client's release. Judge Lilli Bass ordered Ratliff to remain in jail without bond, with his case set to resume on September 30.

Earnest Lloyd Jr. was denied bond after his first court appearance, where Jackson police accused him of hanging Fortune with a black cable cord and engaging in an altercation with her shortly before her death.

Eric Clark surrendered to authorities and was also charged with murder.

Fortune's mother, Christy Spivey, said she knew her daughter was no longer alive before her body was discovered. "What bothered me was they said Tasia fought for her life. I know she did. I know my daughter," Spivey stated, supporting the family's initial belief that Fortune did not die by suicide. She added that Ratliff's claim of friendship with Fortune sounded sincere, as her daughter had many friends, and expressed hope that any innocent individuals would be cleared.

Fortune had recently experienced homelessness and had discussed plans to start a cleaning business.