A mother’s search for answers continues after arrest in Mississippi woman found hanging from tree

JACKSON, Miss. — Even after police arrested a man in the death of 29‑year‑old Tasia Fortune, her mother says she still does not know why her daughter was killed. Fortune, a mother of four, was found hanging behind an abandoned home on Aug. 3, a case that immediately drew national attention because of Mississippi’s history with racial violence.

Although investigators announced an arrest last week, Christy Spivey, Fortune’s mother, said the news brought more emotion than clarity. “We still don’t have a lot of answers,” she told CBS News. She said police did not share a motive, nor did they explain what evidence led them to the suspect.

An Arrest Without a Motive

Police arrested 51‑year‑old Jarques (Jacques) Ratliff after the Mississippi State Medical Examiner ruled Fortune’s death a homicide. Officers executed search warrants before encountering Ratliff walking along Capitol Street, where they took him into custody.

Jarques “Jacques” Ratliff (Source: Jackson Police Department)

Ratliff pleaded not guilty during his first court appearance, and a judge denied bond. Prosecutors said Fortune had been hanged with a “black cable cord,” but they offered few additional details. Police have not released a suspected motive and have not said whether they believe race played aany factor.

Chief RaShall Brackney told reporters during a press conference Ratliff had an “association” with Fortune but declined to elaborate. She also said additional arrests are possible as detectives continue reviewing evidence.

“This case remains active,” Brackney said, noting investigators interviewed nearly 15 people and collected forensic evidence.

Fortune’s family released a statement on Monday regarding Ratcliffe’s arrest.

“We would like to thank everyone for their prayers and support and are grateful for the silence to be broken but we also want to say that we wish for people to have patience and wait for the rest of the facts to come out before jumping to conclusions.”

Tasia Fortune’s Death That Resonated Nationally

Fortune’s death drew widespread attention because the manner of her death recalled lynchings in Mississippi, a state with a long civil rights history marked by racial violence. Lawmakers and civil rights advocates demanded transparency, and Fortune’s family insisted early on that she would not have taken her own life.

Spivey said she did not know Ratliff and has been asking her daughter’s friends whether they recognized him. She described the family as “in disbelief” and said the arrest left her with more questions than answers.

A Mother’s Grief and Determination

Fortune, a Kentucky native, had struggled with homelessness in recent years and was trying to rebuild her life. She had four children, though her mother said she rarely saw two of them. Spivey said her daughter had recently talked about starting a cleaning business and wanted stability. ”

Even with an arrest, Spivey said she remains focused on understanding what happened. “I just want the truth,” she said. “I need to know why my daughter was taken from us.”

The investigation continues, and police say more information will be released as evidence develops.