Man Arrested and Death Ruled Homicide After Mississippi Woman Found Hanging

Quick Brief
Police in Jackson, Mississippi, have arrested a man in connection with the death of Tasia Fortune, a 29-year-old Black woman who was discovered hanging from a tree last month. The state medical examiner officially ruled the manner of death a homicide on Thursday. Authorities apprehended the suspect, Jacques Ratliff, after encountering him walking on a street.
What Happened?
Authorities in Jackson, Mississippi, arrested Jacques Ratliff following the death of 29-year-old Tasia Fortune. Fortune was found hanging from a tree behind an abandoned house in the previous month. Following an evaluation, the state medical examiner classified the death as a homicide on Thursday. Jackson Police Chief RaShall Brackney-Wheelock announced during a Friday press conference that law enforcement had obtained search and arrest warrants for the suspect, leading to his apprehension on the street.
Why It Matters
The case involves the suspicious death of a young Black woman found hanging from a tree, prompting an official homicide ruling and subsequent police arrest that has drawn public scrutiny and attention to law enforcement transparency and community safety in Mississippi.
Key Facts
- Tasia Fortune, a 29-year-old Black woman, was found hanging from a tree behind a vacant house last month in Jackson, Mississippi.
- The state medical examiner ruled Fortune's death a homicide on Thursday.
- Police chief RaShall Brackney-Wheelock announced the arrest during a Friday news conference.
- Jacques Ratliff was arrested after police secured search and arrest warrants and encountered him walking on the street.
Compiled from 1 outlet
Related Stories

Nation Observes 25th Anniversary of September 11
The United States is observing the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks. Commemorations look back at the dark day that permanently altered the nation's history. Anchor Tom Llamas reported on the evening observances from New York City.

Nashville Airport Board Unanimously Votes to Rename Facility After Dolly Parton
The airport authority board in Nashville has voted unanimously to start the renaming process for the city's international airport. The initiative aims to honor the late country music legend and Tennessee icon.

Surrogate Seeks US Supreme Court Custody After Fleeing to Texas
A surrogate mother who declined to terminate her pregnancy after a fetal heart defect was detected has taken her custody battle to the US Supreme Court. She traveled to Texas, where abortion is prohibited, and is now seeking custody of the four-week-old baby.

9/11 Hero Welles Crowther, the 'Man in the Red Bandana,' Awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom
Welles Crowther, widely remembered as the 'man in the red bandana' for his heroic actions during the September 11 terrorist attacks, has been posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. President Trump presented the honor to Crowther's mother just ahead of the 25th anniversary of the tragedy. Crowther is credited with saving more than a dozen lives by guiding people to safety while using a red bandana to cover his face.