In brief
In Jackson, Mississippi, police have arrested Jarques Ratliff, 51, after the body of 29‑year‑old Tasia Fortune was discovered hanged in an abandoned home lot. The case has raised concerns over a possible historical pattern of lynching and attracted congressional attention. Police confirm the death is a homicide and plan further arrests pending investigation, while the family expresses cautious relief and frustration over delayed communication from authorities.
WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 Police in Jackson, Mississippi have arrested a 51‑year‑old black man, Jarques Ratliff, in connection with the death of Tasia Fortune, a 29‑year‑old black woman found hanged from a tree in an abandoned home lot in August.
Chief RaShall Brackney said the medical examiner confirmed Fortune’s cause of death was homicide and that the case remains active. He added that additional arrests would follow as investigators pursue evidence, and that 15 people have been interviewed.
Fortune’s mother, Christy Spivey, told the BBC she felt a “sigh of relief” after hearing the news, but also hoped the correct person was identified. Spivey had complained that police had been unresponsive for two weeks and that a letter she wrote about the slow investigation was read at a city meeting before the homicide designation was announced.
The case has drawn national attention, with over 50 members of Congress sending a letter to the FBI and the Department of Justice this week warning about “possible modern‑day lynchings” and calling for an independent investigation. They cite the pattern of at least ten reported hangings of black Americans this year and more than 70 lynchings documented between 2000 and 2025.
Police said the suspect is associated with the victim but will not disclose further details. The investigation continues.
