Jackson man pleads not guilty in Mississippi hanging death

Jarques Ratliff, 51, pleaded not guilty to murder during his first court appearance in connection with the death of Tasia Fortune. Fortune, a 29-year-old mother of four, was found hanging from a tree behind an abandoned home in Jackson, Mississippi, on August 3. The state medical examiner recently ruled her death a homicide.

During the court hearing, a judge denied bond for Ratliff. Prosecutors stated that Fortune was hanged with a “black cable cord” and noted that Ratliff had attempted to hide in a vehicle at the time of his arrest. Ratliff’s attorney, Toney Baldwin, maintained his client's innocence, stating that no evidence has been presented to convict him.

Jackson Police Chief RaShall Brackney indicated that the investigation is ongoing and that additional arrests are expected. While the manner of death has drawn significant public attention due to Mississippi’s history of racial violence, authorities have not yet disclosed a motive or confirmed if race played a role in the incident. Ratliff, who is Black, reportedly had an “association” with Fortune.