Jackson police have arrested a second suspect in the death of Tasia Fortune, a Black woman found hanging behind an abandoned home in August, and obtained an arrest warrant for a third person, authorities announced Tuesday.
Police identified the second suspect as 25-year-old Earnest Lloyd Jr., who was taken into custody and charged with homicide. Jackson Police Chief RaShall Brackney confirmed the arrest during a city council meeting, stating that detectives are pursuing additional warrants for other suspects.
Jarques Ratliff, 51, was arrested in September and charged with murder in Fortune’s death. He pleaded not guilty and remains jailed without bond. Police have not disclosed a motive or Fortune’s cause of death, nor have they indicated whether race played a role in the case. Fortune’s mother, Christy Spivey, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Key Developments in the Investigation
- Earnest Lloyd Jr., 25, was arrested and charged with homicide in the death of Tasia Fortune, 29, whose body was found on August 3.
- Police have issued an arrest warrant for a third suspect, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals.
- Jarques Ratliff, 51, was arrested in September on murder charges and remains jailed without bond.
- Police described Ratliff as having an “association” with Fortune but did not provide further details.
Background and Context
Fortune, a Kentucky native, had lived in Jackson for about a decade and was the mother of four children. Relatives said she had struggled with homelessness in recent years. The case has drawn national attention due to Mississippi’s history of racially motivated violence, including 581 recorded lynchings between 1882 and 1968, according to the NAACP.
Jackson police have not released details on Fortune’s cause of death but described her as found “in a hanging position.” Chief Brackney emphasized caution in language to avoid jeopardizing the investigation. She stated that additional arrests are expected as the case progresses.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
Both Ratliff and Lloyd are Black. Authorities have not disclosed whether either suspect has obtained legal representation. The investigation remains active, with detectives pursuing further leads and warrants.
The case continues to unfold as authorities work to determine the full circumstances surrounding Fortune’s death.