Police say Black woman found hanging from tree was dead before body was 'staged'

Authorities investigating the death of Tasia Fortune, a 29-year-old Black woman found hanging from a tree in Jackson, Mississippi, now believe she was already deceased before her body was staged. Police reports and detective testimony, citing the medical examiner's opinion, indicate that Fortune was likely killed elsewhere and her body placed in the hanging position on August 3, 2026, possibly two to three days after her actual death. The death has been officially ruled a homicide.

The motive for Fortune's killing is suspected to be a drug dispute, with investigators noting that she reportedly fought with her attackers before her death. This case has garnered significant attention, partially due to the manner of death recalling the history of lynchings in the Southern state.

As of September 26, 2026, three individuals have been arrested and charged with murder in connection with Tasia Fortune's death: Jarques Ratliff, Earnest Lloyd Jr., and Eric Clark. All arrested individuals, like Fortune, are Black. The investigation by the Jackson Police Department's robbery-homicide division is ongoing.