Police in Jackson, Mississippi, have made a significant breakthrough in the death of Tasia Fortune, the 29-year-old woman discovered hanging from a tree outside an abandoned home last month.
Jackson Police Chief RaShall Brackney announced at a news conference on Friday that a suspect, identified as Jacques Ratliff, has been taken into custody. Ratliff was arrested without incident while walking along Capitol Street.
The arrest follows the state medical examiner’s official ruling on September 10, 2026, which classified Fortune’s death as a homicide. Chief Brackney confirmed that the investigation is very much active and that additional arrest warrants are expected to be served soon.
For Fortune’s mother, Christy Spivey, the arrest marks a step toward justice as she continues to honor her daughter’s memory. Speaking to WJTV 12 News earlier this week, Spivey expressed her deep appreciation for the community support that has helped keep her daughter’s story in the spotlight.
“We are very grateful for everyone who has helped,” Spivey said. “You know, like y’all putting our story out there, you know, keeping her name alive.”