JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI — Jackson police are investigating the death of Tasia Fortune after her body was discovered hanging from a tree behind an abandoned home in the 500 block of Road of Remembrance in Jackson, Mississippi. The Hinds County Coroner’s Office identified the deceased woman as Tasia Fortune.

The Mississippi State Medical Examiner’s Office is conducting an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death. Jackson police stated that the investigation into Tasia Fortune's death is active and ongoing.

Investigators stated that Tasia Fortune's body had been at the scene for three to four days before discovery. Tasia Fortune was a mother of four who had lived in Mississippi for more than 10 years.

Christy Spivey stated she last saw her daughter Tasia Fortune on July 26 at a family reunion in Kentucky. LaToni Fortune stated that she last saw her sister Tasia Fortune last month when she returned to Kentucky to visit family.

"This has just devastated us," Christy Spivey said. She described her daughter as strong-minded, full of laughs and love, and having faith in God.

Christy she stated that Tasia Fortune seemed to be in good spirits and at peace when she last saw her. "She did not do this to herself. I know my daughter and she did not do this to herself," she said.

Terence Anderson, 65, was taken into custody on an unrelated weapons charge. Terence Anderson is considered a person of interest in connection with Tasia Fortune's death.

Detectives stated that Terence Anderson was interviewed about Tasia Fortune's death during a recent court appearance. Terence Anderson denied involvement in Tasia Fortune's death but told police he had an argument with her.

Tony Anderson confirmed his brother Terence Anderson's arrest. Tony Anderson stated that Tasia Fortune and Terence Anderson have a 5-year-old son together who lived with Terence.

Tony Anderson stated that Terence Anderson is a convicted felon who had been out of trouble for years and works as a painter. He also stated that Tasia Fortune had a substance abuse problem and was living at the abandoned home where her body was found.

Ward 3 City Council member Kenneth Stokes sent a letter to U.S. Attorney Baxter Kruger requesting assistance with the investigation. Kenneth Stokes stated in his letter that the city was in "dire need of assistance" while the case is investigated.

Bernice King wrote on Facebook that people should not rush to conclusions but cannot dismiss the fear and painful history these circumstances evoke for Black communities in Mississippi. Bernice King stated that transparency, thoroughness, and truth are essential due to the history of lynchings in Mississippi.

Two other people, Trey Reed and Cory Zukatis, were found hanging from trees in Mississippi in less than a year prior to Tasia Fortune's death. Police in Cleveland concluded that Trey Reed's death was a suicide.

The Mississippi State Medical Examiner determined that Zukatis died by suicide. Earlier coverage on 2026-07-30 reported: Homicide investigation launched after woman's body found in river near Jones. Jackson police are asking anyone with information about the case to call Crime Stoppers at 601-355-TIPS.

The discovery of Tasia Fortune's body marks the third instance in less than a year of a person found hanging from a tree in Mississippi. The deaths of Trey Reed and Zukatis were previously ruled suicides by local police and the state medical examiner, respectively.

Local officials have requested federal assistance during these comparisons, citing the historical context of racial violence in the region. Bernice King emphasized the need for transparency and thoroughness given the history of lynchings in Mississippi, while family members dispute the possibility of suicide.

Why It Matters

This case marks the third instance in less than a year of a person found hanging from a tree in Mississippi, following two previous deaths ruled as suicides. The circumstances have prompted local officials to request federal assistance and drawn attention to the historical context of racial violence in the region. Family members dispute the possibility of suicide, while an autopsy is pending to determine the official cause and manner of death.