Black woman found hanging from tree was dead before body was 'staged', US media reports

Warning: This communicative contains distressing details Police in Mississippi said Tasia Fortune was already dead when her body was staged and hung from a tree in Jackson last August. A detective disclosed the assessment in court on Friday, adding that investigators believe her death was drug‑related. The 29‑year‑old’s body was found hanging from a tree on the grounds of an abandoned property in the city. The discovery triggered widespread alarm in Jackson’s majority‑black community, a reaction rooted in the state’s legacy of racial violence and lynchings. After weeks of public speculation and demands for information, police made several arrests. The BBC has reached out to the court, the medical examiner’s office and Fortune’s mother, Christy Spivey. In a statement to the BBC on Friday, Jackson Police Chief RaShall Brackney said, "Our connection has been consistent...Ms Fortune was recovered successful a hanging position. We person not released immoderate accusation contrary to that statement." Brackney did not immediately reply to follow‑up questions about the detective’s courtroom remarks. Officials have not disclosed the precise cause of death or explained why they suspect the hanging was staged. The lack of details has left residents unsettled. The medical examiner previously determined that Fortune’s death was a homicide and indicated a murder charge will follow. Jarques Ratliff, 51, was arrested and pleaded not guilty; he remains in custody without bond. Earnest Lloyd Jr, 25, was also taken into custody this week, while a third suspect is still being sought by authorities.