Mississippi police arrest man in Tasia Fortune homicide case

JACKSON, Miss. — Jackson police have arrested Jacques Ratliff in the death of 29‑year‑old Tasia Fortune after the Mississippi State Medical Examiner ruled her death a homicide.

Police Chief RaShall Brackney announced the arrest during a Sept. 11 news briefing and said Ratliff had an “association” with Fortune, though investigators are not releasing details about their relationship.

Tasia Fortune found hanging behind abandoned home

Fortune, a mother of four, was found hanging behind an abandoned home on Aug. 3. Her family said they never believed she died by suicide, and the case quickly spread online as activists demanded transparency. Because of the homicide ruling, investigators expanded their search for suspects and reviewed witness statements.

Community shaken by recent hanging deaths and racial history

Fortune’s death shook her family and community in Mississippi, where two other people have been found hanging from trees in less than a year. The investigation comes months after the hanging deaths of 21‑year‑old Trey Reed, a Black student at Delta State University, and Cory Zukatis, an unhoused white man in his 30s, according to the Associated Press. Authorities ruled both deaths suicides. Still, the cases drew national attention because Mississippi’s history of racial violence continues to shape public concern.

Search warrants executed before arrest

The medical examiner’s homicide ruling Thursday evening led police to secure two search warrants and an arrest warrant for Ratliff. Investigators served the warrants Friday morning, but Ratliff was not found at the location. As officers returned to headquarters, they saw him walking along Capitol Street and took him into custody.

Tasia Fortune Homicide Investigation remains active

Brackney said investigators interviewed nearly 15 people, collected forensic evidence and followed multiple leads. She stressed that the arrest is not the end of the case. “This is not closure. This is just one step as we continue to investigate this case,” she said.

Fortune’s relatives were notified immediately. Although her death is classified as a homicide, Brackney did not elaborate on the cause of death and described Fortune as found “in a hanging position.” She acknowledged public scrutiny but said investigators must rely on evidence and facts as the case moves forward.

The case remains active. Anyone with information can contact Jackson Police at (601) 960‑1234 or Crime Stoppers at (601) 355‑8477.