JACKSON, Miss. — Authorities in Mississippi testified Friday that the hanging death of Tasia Fortune, a 29-year-old Black woman found behind an abandoned home on August 3, was staged after she had already died, according to medical examiner findings presented in court.
Detective Samuel Dukes of the Jackson Police Department said investigators believe Fortune was killed prior to her body being suspended from a tree, though the exact cause of death has not been disclosed. The case has drawn attention due to its resemblance to historical lynchings in the state, though authorities have stated the killing was not classified as a hate crime.
Two men have been charged with murder, and a third suspect remains at large. Jarques Ratliff, 51, pleaded not guilty during a bond hearing earlier this month and remains jailed without bond. Earnest Lloyd Jr., 25, was arrested this week and accused of involvement in a physical altercation with Fortune shortly before her death, according to local reports.
During Friday’s hearing, Dukes testified that the motive appears to be a drug dispute, citing interviews with others involved. He did not provide further details, stating that the grand jury has not yet reviewed all evidence. Ratliff’s attorney, Toney Baldwin, maintained his client’s innocence, saying, “My client said he’s not involved and that’s absolutely what I believe.”
Fortune’s mother, Christy Spivey, has questioned what evidence police have gathered. She described her daughter as a mother of four who had struggled with homelessness but was working to improve her life, including plans to start a cleaning business.
Authorities have not explained why the defendants allegedly staged the hanging after Fortune’s death. The case is ongoing, with a preliminary hearing for Ratliff set to resume on September 30 to determine if sufficient evidence exists for a grand jury indictment.
Key Details:
- Victim: Tasia Fortune, 29, found hanging on August 3 behind an abandoned home in Jackson.
- Status: Homicide ruled; two men charged, one warrant issued.
- Motive: Police cite a drug dispute as the apparent cause.
- Defendants: Jarques Ratliff (51) and Earnest Lloyd Jr. (25), both Black.
- Next Hearing: September 30 for Ratliff’s preliminary hearing.
The investigation remains active, with authorities continuing to gather evidence.