Second Suspect Arrested in Tasia Fortune Murder Investigation
JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI — September 23, 2026

Police in Jackson, Mississippi, have arrested a second suspect in connection with the death of 29-year-old Tasia Fortune, whose body was found behind a vacant house last month.

Earnest Lloyd Jr., 25, was arrested on Tuesday and charged with murder for his alleged role in Fortune’s death, according to the Jackson Police Department.

Second Arrest in the Case
Jackson Police Chief RaShall Brackney announced the latest arrest during a city council meeting.

Investigators have spent hundreds of hours working on the case, interviewing as many as 15 people, collecting forensic evidence and following multiple leads.

Police have also obtained an arrest warrant for a third suspect, whose identity has not been publicly released. The warrant has been given to the U.S. Marshals Service for enforcement.

Fortune Was Found Dead in August
Fortune’s body was discovered on August 3 behind a vacant house on Road of Remembrance in Jackson.

Police have previously said she was found in a hanging position. Authorities have not publicly disclosed the exact circumstances surrounding her death beyond the medical examiner’s determination that it was a homicide.

The case initially led to the arrest of 51-year-old Jarques “Jock” Ratliff, who was charged with homicide earlier this month. Ratliff pleaded not guilty and was denied bond at his initial court appearance.

Investigation Remains Active
Police have not publicly released a motive or explained the specific roles investigators believe each suspect played in Fortune’s death.

Authorities say additional arrest warrants may be issued as the investigation continues.

Police are asking anyone with information about Fortune’s death to contact investigators.

The allegations against the suspects have not been proven in court.

Sources: Jackson Police Department; WLBT; The Guardian.