Jackson detective says Tasia Fortune was dead before body staged in tree
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A Jackson police detective testified Friday that Tasia Fortune, 29, was dead before her body was staged hanging from a tree in August. The disclosure came during a court hearing as three arrests have been made in the case. The medical examiner has ruled the death a homicide.
Key Facts
- Tasia Fortune, 29, was found hanging from a tree at an abandoned home in Jackson, Mississippi in August.
- A detective testified Friday that Fortune was already dead before her body was staged, and that the killing was drug-related.
- The medical examiner ruled Fortune's death a homicide and said a murder charge would be filed.
- Jarques Ratliff, 51, was arrested and pleaded not guilty; Earnest Lloyd Jr, 25, was arrested this week, and a third person is being sought.
The Court Disclosure
A Jackson police detective testified in court on Friday that Tasia Fortune was already dead before her body was staged and placed hanging in a tree. The detective also said investigators believe Fortune was killed in a dispute related to drugs. Jackson Police Chief RaShall Brackney said in a statement that the department's language has been consistent: Fortune was found in a hanging position. Brackney did not immediately respond to additional questions about the detective's disclosure.
Investigation and Arrests
The medical examiner confirmed earlier this month that Fortune's cause of death was homicide and said there would be a murder charge. Jarques Ratliff, 51, was arrested and pleaded not guilty; he remains in custody without bond. Earnest Lloyd Jr, 25, was arrested in the case this week, and a third person was reportedly being sought by authorities. Officials have not stated the exact cause of death or shared why they believe the hanging was staged.
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