The post Second Man Charged in Tasia Fortune Death as Jackson Police Continue Investigation first appeared on Crafting Your Home.
A second man has been charged with murder in the death of Tasia Fortune, a 29-year-old mother of four from Jackson, Mississippi, as police continue investigating the case and seek a third suspect.
Jackson police arrested Earnest Lloyd Jr., 25, on Tuesday, September 22, and charged him with murder in Fortune’s death. Authorities said he is the second person arrested in the investigation. Police have also said another arrest warrant has been issued and turned over to the U.S. Marshals Service for assistance.
The latest development adds to an active investigation that still has many unanswered questions. Police have not publicly released a motive or explained the alleged roles of the people facing charges or the person being sought.
Fortune’s death was first reported after her body was found on August 3, 2026, hanging from a tree behind an abandoned home in Jackson. The Mississippi State Medical Examiner’s Office classified the death as a homicide, though the official manner of death has not been publicly released.
For local readers following the case, the second arrest marks a significant step in the investigation while also showing that the case remains unresolved. Authorities have said the investigation is continuing, and officials have not released all details about what they believe happened.
The first arrest came earlier in September. Police arrested Jarques Ratliff, 51, on September 11 and charged him with murder. Ratliff pleaded not guilty on September 14 and remains jailed without bond, according to reporting.
A court affidavit cited in reporting alleges that Ratliff used a black cable cord to hang Fortune from a tree. That allegation comes from a court document and has not been established as a fact through a trial.
Lloyd’s arrest brings the number of people charged with murder in the case to two. However, police have not publicly described what Lloyd is alleged to have done or how investigators believe the individuals involved may be connected.
The case timeline shows how the investigation has developed:
On August 3, 2026, Fortune’s body was found behind an abandoned home in Jackson.
On September 11, police arrested Ratliff and charged him with murder.
On September 14, Ratliff pleaded not guilty.
On September 22, police arrested Lloyd and charged him with murder. Authorities said he was later denied bond.
Around the same time, police said a third arrest warrant had been issued and provided to the U.S. Marshals Service for assistance.
While two arrests have been made, authorities have not said the investigation is complete. Police have not identified the third suspect or publicly explained that person’s alleged connection to Fortune’s death.
Officials have also not announced a motive. Police Chief RaShall Brackney previously said Ratliff had an “association” with Fortune but did not explain the nature of that relationship.
As the investigation continues, officials are asking the public to allow the legal process to move forward while facts are gathered. Fortune’s family has asked people to be patient and wait for confirmed information rather than jumping to conclusions.
Beyond the investigation, loved ones have described Fortune as more than the circumstances surrounding her death. Associated Press reporting described her as a mother, former cross-country athlete, and woman of faith. Her family has said they want her remembered for her life, not only the details of the case.
The investigation remains active, with two people charged with murder and police continuing efforts connected to a third arrest warrant. Officials have not released further details about motive or the alleged roles of those involved.
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