Overview
- The Mississippi state medical examiner formally ruled 29-year-old Tasia Fortune’s August 3 death a homicide Thursday evening, a determination that allowed police to seek arrest and search warrants.
- Police arrested 51-year-old Jarques Ratliff on Friday and he pleaded not guilty Monday in municipal court where a judge ordered him held without bond.
- Officers executed two search warrants, collected forensic evidence and interviewed numerous people in the probe, and an affidavit reported by local media alleges a black cable cord was used.
- Officials have not released an official cause or a suspected motive to avoid jeopardizing the active investigation, and Fortune’s family says she was not suicidal and seeks answers.
- The case has drawn intense public attention because hangings recall Mississippi’s history of racial violence, and investigators say the probe remains open with additional arrests possible.