Arrest in Tasia Fortune Homicide Case in Jackson

Jackson authorities arrested Jarques Ratliff, 51, on Saturday, September 12, 2026, in connection with the death of Tasia Fortune, a 29-year-old Black mother of four. The Mississippi State Medical Examiner’s Office officially classified Fortune’s death as a homicide on Thursday, September 10, 2026. Ratliff, of Jackson, had a prior personal connection to Fortune, according to Jackson Police Chief RaShall Brackney.

Fortune’s body was found hanging from a tree behind an abandoned home in the 500 block of Road of Remembrance on August 3, 2026. The investigation involved hundreds of hours of interviews and the review of physical evidence. Brackney stated the department relies on verifiable physical evidence and forensic facts.

Brackney refuted social media reports that a 65-year-old man had previously been identified as a suspect, clarifying that no persons of interest had been officially designated prior to Ratliff’s arrest. Police have not detailed the specific physical evidence linking Ratliff to the scene or the exact nature of his association with Fortune.

Fortune’s mother, Christy Spivey, expressed gratitude for the investigation and reiterated her belief that her daughter did not die by suicide. Fortune, who relocated to Jackson a decade ago, had experienced homelessness recently but was working to launch a cleaning business.

Ratliff is held at the Hinds County Detention Center on a murder charge. He is scheduled to make his initial appearance in Jackson Municipal Court by Monday morning, September 14, 2026. The investigation remains active, and additional arrest warrants are expected.