Home / Crime and Justice / Mississippi Woman's Death Ruled Homicide, Man Arrested
Mississippi Woman's Death Ruled Homicide, Man Arrested
12 Sep
Summary
- Tasia Fortune's death was officially classified as a homicide.
- A 51-year-old man was arrested after being encountered on Capitol Street.
- Police confirmed the arrested man has an association with the victim.
The Jackson Police Department has made an arrest in connection with the death of Tasia Fortune, a 29-year-old Black woman whose body was discovered hanging from a tree in Mississippi in August. The medical examiner's office has now officially classified Fortune's death as a homicide, prompting swift action from investigators.
Following the homicide determination, detectives secured two search warrants and an arrest warrant. While executing the search warrants, officers encountered Jarques Ratliff, 51, on Capitol Street and took him into custody without incident. Police Chief Rashall Brackney stated that Ratliff has an association with Fortune, though further details of their relationship were not disclosed.
Chief Brackney emphasized that this arrest is a significant development but stressed that the investigation remains active, with potential for further arrests. The family of Tasia Fortune has been informed of the arrest and the homicide charge. Fortune's mother previously indicated that her daughter was not suicidal and did not believe race was a factor in her death.
