More updates arise in the investigation of 29-year-old Tasia Fortune’s death. Authorities are officially ruling her death a homicide and taking a man into custody.
According to WLBT, Jackson Police Chief RaShall Brackney announced during a Friday press conference that investigators secured two search warrants and an arrest warrant for 51-year-old Jarques Ratliff, also known as “Jock.”
Police later found Ratliff walking on Capitol Street and arrested him. This is a significant development more than a month after Fortune was found hanging from a tree behind a Jackson, Mississippi, home.
Tasia Fortune’s Death Officially Ruled A Homicide
Medical examiners officially classified Fortune’s death as a homicide Thursday night.
Previously reported by BOSSIP, Fortune was found hanging from a tree behind a home off Road of Remembrance in Jackson on Aug. 3.
Multiple local leaders and activists across the country called for answers as authorities investigated the circumstances surrounding how she died.
WLBT reports provide no additional details about the medical examiner’s findings or explain how authorities determined Fortune died as a result of homicide.
There also is not a specific charge against Ratliff or detail what investigators allege his connection is to Fortune’s death at the moment.
Police Arrest Jarques Ratliff After Executing Search Warrants
In WLBT, Brackney said JPD obtained two search warrants as well as an arrest warrant for Ratliff.
Brackney says officers executed both search warrants, but Ratliff was not at the location when police arrived.
Authorities later located Ratliff walking on Capitol Street, and officers arrested and took him into custody.
Brackney said investigators have interviewed nearly 15 people in connection with the case.
Fortune’s family has since been notified of Ratliff’s arrest.
More Arrests Are Expected As Investigation Continues
Ratliff’s arrest does not appear to mark the end of the investigation.
According to WLBT, authorities expect additional arrests in connection with the case.
Police also have not detailed in the provided report what evidence was recovered while executing the two search warrants or what investigators learned from the nearly 15 people interviewed in the case.
For now, the homicide ruling, Ratliff’s arrest and the expectation of additional arrests represent the most significant publicly reported developments in the investigation since Fortune was found dead on Aug. 3.
As Jackson police continue their investigation, questions remain about the circumstances leading to Fortune’s death, Ratliff’s alleged role in the case and who else authorities may take into custody.
WLBT states Fortune’s family has been informed of the latest development as the investigation into her homicide continues.
