JACKSON, Miss. – Recently, a tragic incident occurred in Mississippi that has captured widespread attention. A woman named Tasia Fortune, a 29-year-old Black mother of four, was found hanging from a tree in an abandoned home in Jackson. This shocking discovery was made on August 3, and it has raised many questions about her death.
On a Friday news conference, Jackson Police Chief RaShall Brackney announced that they had arrested 51-year-old Jarques Ratliff in connection with Fortune’s death. Ratliff was apprehended while walking on the street, and police stated that he had an “association” with Fortune, although they did not disclose the specifics of their relationship.
The state medical examiner’s office determined that Fortune’s death was a homicide, which allowed police to execute the warrants they had prepared. Chief Brackney emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and that further arrests may follow.
Fortune’s mother, Christy Spivey, expressed her gratitude to the police after the arrest, saying, “I just started crying and told them ‘thank you, thank you, thank you.’” However, she revealed that the family is still in shock and seeking answers, as police have not shared information about the motive or whether DNA evidence played a role in the arrest.
Spivey described her daughter as someone who would never take her own life, stating, “Absolutely not. Even if she could climb that tree, no, no, she would never, ever, ever.” Fortune had faced significant struggles in her life, including being taken from her parents and placed in foster care as a child. Despite these challenges, she had aspirations of starting her own cleaning business and was working to improve her situation.
The family is now left to grapple with their loss while seeking justice for Tasia. Spivey emphasized the importance of remembering her daughter’s name and continuing to push for answers, stating, “Say her name. Keep it going, because I’m not going to stop until I get answers.”
As this case unfolds, it highlights the severe realities faced by many, especially in marginalized communities. Tasia Fortune’s story is a reminder of the need for awareness, compassion, and justice in the face of violence and tragedy.
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Associated Press writer Josh Kelety contributed to this report.
