Mississippi police make second arrest in death of Black woman found hanging from tree

Content warning — Mississippi police have arrested a second man in the death of Tasia Fortune, a 29‑year‑old Black woman found hanging from a tree behind an abandoned Jackson home on Aug. 3. Jackson police said they arrested Earnest Lloyd Jr., 25, and charged him with murder.

He appeared in court Wednesday and was denied bond, according to ABC affiliate WAPT.

First Suspect Pleaded Not Guilty Earlier This Month

The arrest follows the earlier arrest of Jarques Ratliff, 51, who was charged with murder on Sept. 11. Ratliff pleaded not guilty and remains jailed without bond.

Investigators say Ratliff allegedly used a black cable cord to hang Fortune, according to an affidavit cited by WAPT.

Police said during a briefing Ratliff had an “association” with Fortune but did not elaborate.

Police Seek Third Suspect as Investigation Expands

Jackson police said they issued an arrest warrant for a third suspect and turned the warrant over to the U.S. Marshals Service for assistance. Officials have not released the suspect’s identity or alleged role.

Additionally, police said they expect more warrants as investigators continue reviewing evidence and interviewing witnesses.

Authorities said witnesses directed them to Lloyd, who allegedly had a physical altercation with Fortune shortly before her death, the Associated Press reported.

Earnest Lloyd Jr. (Jackson Police Department)

Family Reacts to New Arrests

Fortune’s mother, Christy Spivey, attended Lloyd’s hearing and said she was relieved to see progress in the case. She told reporters she or her daughter’s friends did not know Lloyd and cautioned that everyone is innocent until proven guilty.

Spivey said her family remains devastated and still lacks answers about what happened. “I’ll never truly have peace,” she said.

Case Draws National Attention Amid Concerns Over Hanging Deaths

Fortune’s death has drawn national attention because the manner of death recalls historic lynchings in Mississippi, a state with one of the highest recorded lynching totals in U.S. history.

Her death also comes one year after two other hanging deaths in Mississippi, including college student Trey Reed, which raised community skepticism despite official suicide rulings.

Fortune, a mother of four, had lived in Jackson for about a decade and was working to rebuild her life, relatives said.