# Suspect Arrested in Mississippi Hanging Homicide

- Topic: world
- Source: [BBC News](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cqjkejq5750o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss)
- Published: 2026-09-12
- Original: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cqjkejq5750o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss
- Language: en
- Image: https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/240/cpsprodpb/d0ba/live/4cbe86d0-ae1f-11f1-ac3c-d9de82cf7bb1.jpg

## At a glance

- Jarques Ratliff arrested for the murder of Tasia Fortune, found hanged from a tree in Jackson
- Chief Brackney confirms homicide ruling and potential additional arrests pending evidence
- Fortune’s mother expresses relief but insists on correct accountability
- Congressional letter highlights pattern of black people hanged and calls for independent probe

## Sources

- [BBC News](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cqjkejq5750o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss)

## The story

Police in Mississippi have arrested 51‑year‑old Jarques Ratliff in connection with the death of Tasia Fortune, who was found hanged from a tree in a Jackson lot in August.  The Jackson Police Department announced the arrest on Friday, saying the case remains active and that additional arrests may follow as investigators pursue evidence.  Chief RaShall Brackney confirmed that the medical examiner has ruled Fortune’s death a homicide and that a murder charge will be filed.  Brackney also noted that 15 people have been interviewed and that the suspect had an association with the victim, though details were not disclosed.  Fortune’s mother, Christy Spivey, expressed relief at the arrest but urged that the correct person be held accountable.  The case has drawn national attention, with more than 50 members of Congress warning that the pattern of black people found hanging from trees could signal modern‑day lynchings.  Congress has called for an independent investigation into these deaths.  The incident underscores Mississippi’s history of racial violence and the community’s demand for swift justice.

> Summary by Daily Read Bytes. [Read the original source](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cqjkejq5750o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss)