Man Arrested After Mother of Four Found Hanging From Tree in Mississippi

A 51-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the death of 29-year-old mother of four Tasia Fortune, whose body was found hanging from a tree behind an abandoned home in Jackson, Mississippi.

Jackson police identified the suspect as Jacques Ratliff. He was arrested on Friday after officers carried out search and arrest warrants linked to the investigation.

His arrest came one day after the Mississippi State Medical Examiner officially ruled Fortune’s death a homicide.

Jackson Police Chief RaShall Brackney said Ratliff had an “association” with Fortune but did not reveal the nature of their relationship.

Police said the investigation remains ongoing and more arrests are expected.

Fortune’s mother, Christy Spivey, said she broke down in tears after hearing about the arrest. However, she said the family still has questions about the possible motive and the evidence that led investigators to Ratliff.

Spivey last saw her daughter on July 26 at a family reunion in Kentucky, shortly before Fortune returned to Mississippi.

The case has attracted national attention. Two other hanging deaths were reported in Mississippi within the past year, although authorities ruled both of those cases suicides.

Fortune had lived in Jackson for about 10 years after moving from Kentucky. Her relatives remembered her as a religious, intelligent and athletic woman.