Second suspect arrested in connection with the death of Black woman found hanging from tree in Mississippi
09/25/2026 9:28 am PDT
JACKSON, Miss. (TCN) -- A second suspect has been arrested in connection with the August death of Tasia Fortune, a Black woman who was found hanging from a tree behind an abandoned house.
Fortune’s body was found on Aug. 3 and her death was classified as a homicide on Sept. 11 following an investigation. Jarques Ratliff, 51, was arrested and charged with murder. According to an arrest affidavit, Ratliff allegedly used a black extension cord to hang Fortune. Her exact cause of death has not been released by authorities.
Ratliff pleaded not guilty to the charges and remains behind bars without bond, KOAT reports. On Sept. 22, Jackson police arrested a second suspect, 25-year-old Earnest Lloyd Jr., in connection with Fortune’s death. He was charged with murder.
An arrest warrant for a third suspect has been issued, KOAT reports. No details about the suspect’s identity have been released. KBTX reports the warrant has been turned over to the U.S. Marshals service and additional warrants are forthcoming.
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