Third Suspect Surrenders In Tasia Fortune Murder Case After Staged Hanging

Tasia Fortune was found dead in Jackson, Mississippi, and investigators now believe she was killed before her body was hanged from a tree. Police say the hanging was staged. Two men were arrested on murder charges, and a third suspect has now turned himself in.

A Staged Hanging

CBS News reported that investigators determined “the hanging was staged” after officers found Fortune’s body behind an abandoned home on August 3, 2026.

WLBT News explained that police testified during a preliminary hearing that Fortune “was already dead before her body was hanged from a tree.” Police believe someone killed her in a drug dispute at another location and moved her body later.

Another Person Turned Himself In

A lot of scrutiny focused on the investigation because it reminded folks of older lynchings. Investigators later ruled the death a homicide and arrested Jarques Ratliff and Earnest Lloyd Jr. on murder charges.

WLBT also reported that a third suspect, 45-year-old Eric Clark, “turned himself in” on September 25, 2026. He faces a murder charge and expects to appear in municipal court on Monday.

Mother Speaks Out

Outside the court proceedings on Friday, Fortune’s mother, Christy Spivey, spoke about the painful testimony.

WJTV 12 News on YouTube showed Spivey saying, “I just need to hear about the DNA evidence and you know what led them to the arrest.”

She added that hearing how her daughter fought back was terrible. She said, “I know my daughter cuz I feel like she was tortured you know especially with her fight for her life like that cuz why would it take four or five men for one 115 lb woman.”

Spivey also doesn’t believe her daughter stole any drugs, saying, “I believe that was pinned on her.”

Suspect Ratliff had said in court “That was my friend.” Spivey said she wants to be certain that the right people are held accountable.

Viewers React

Folks who saw the YouTube coverage felt that this seemed like an unnecessary death. One viewer wrote, “So incredibly sad, cruel and senseless.”

Here are a few more responses from the discussion:

• “I don’t think the police will be sharing all the DNA evidence or any other evidence in the case until all the suspects are caught, charged and have gone to trial. They don’t want the evidence information leaked out where it could taint the investigation or prosecution.”
• “The grace that her mother is showing is Goodness that takes a lot of strength. I hope the truth comes to light and justice is delivered honestly and with an even hand.”
• “Moral of this unfortunate incident: Stay the hell away from drugs!”
• “Like how do you even know a person like that, smfh.”

What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments below, and then come back for more crime news and updates. You can also follow our crime channel on TikTok.