A Jackson, Mississippi councilman is calling on the United States Attorney’s Office after the body of 29-year-old woman, identified as Tasia Fortune, was found hanging from a tree behind. Her body was found behind a vacant home in a mostly Black neighborhood around 9:05 p.m. Residents called the police. Initially they were unsure how long she had been there.
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Jackson Police Release Statement After Mississippi Woman Found Hanging From Tree
However, on Thursday (August 6), the Hinds County Coroner’s Office revealed the remains belonged to Fortune. They also believe she was hanging from the tree for about 3 to 4 days before being discovered on Monday evening (August 3). That same night, the Jackson Police Department released an initial statement.
“The Jackson Police Department is currently on the scene of a death investigation in the 500 block of Road of Remembrance. Officers located the body of an unidentified Black female at the location. This is an active and ongoing investigation. Crime scene investigators are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the death. We ask the public to avoid the area to allow emergency personnel room to work. We will provide updates as new details develop.”
Hinds County Coroner Jeremiah Howard publicly identified the body. He said earlier this week, Fortune’s remains would be transported to the Mississippi State Medical Examiner’s Officer. There, officials will perform an autopsy to further determine the cause and manner of her death.
Joining Fortune’s family in demanding answers and justice, is Ward 3 Jackson City Councilman Kenneth Stokes. He told 16 WAPT News that he sent a letter to U.S. Attorney Baxter Kruger’s office on Wednesday, asking for further assistance with an investigation. He said:
“We sent a letter to the U.S. Attorney’s Office asking for help make sure we catch and convict the person or persons involved with hanging a young lady in Jackson.”
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