JACKSON, MISS. — Jarques Ratliff pleaded not guilty to murder charges in Jackson Municipal Court on September 14, 2026. Judge Taurean Buchanan denied bond for the 51-year-old defendant following the hearing.

Prosecutors stated in court that Ratliff tried to hide from officers in a vehicle on the day of his arrest. A law enforcement official alleged in court that Ratliff was a danger to the citizens of Jackson.

Toney Baldwin is Ratliff's attorney. Baldwin addressed the proceedings in an interview. "A charge is just merely an accusation … It’s not a conviction," Baldwin said. He added, "We look forward to having our day where we present the full picture."

Christy Spivey is Tasia Fortune's mother. Spivey said she did not know Ratliff. Her statement was made on September 11, the day of the arrest.

Why It Matters

The denial of bond keeps Ratliff in custody as the investigation continues. The medical examiner's ruling of homicide shifted the inquiry from a potential suicide or accident to a criminal investigation. The expectation of additional arrests suggests authorities believe others may be involved in the death of Fortune.

The case shows vulnerabilities among residents facing homelessness and abuse. Fortune's decade in Jackson and her status as a mother of four underscore the personal loss felt by her family. The legal process now moves toward trial, with the defense preparing to challenge the accusations presented in the affidavit.

Timeline

On April 12, 2005, the case Greater Bible Way Temple of Jackson v. City of Jackson was submitted at Lansing before the Michigan Court of Appeals. On August 3, 2026, Tasia Fortune was found hanging from a tree behind an abandoned home in Jackson. The Mississippi State Medical Examiner’s Office ruled Tasia Fortune’s death a homicide on Thursday evening, September 10, 2026.

On September 11, 2026, multiple developments occurred. Christy Spivey said she did not know Ratliff. Jackson Police Chief RaShall Brackney stated that additional arrests are expected in the case.

Police executed two search warrants and an arrest warrant for Ratliff on Friday. Ratliff was arrested on Friday. Officers encountered Ratliff walking down the street and took him into custody after serving search warrants.

What's New

Later reporting provided additional details about the investigation and the victim. Jackson Police Chief RaShall Brackney stated that Ratliff had an 'association' with Tasia Fortune but did not elaborate on their relationship. An affidavit accuses Ratliff of using a black cable cord to hang Tasia Fortune from a tree. Jackson Police interviewed nearly 15 people related to the case before arresting Ratliff.

Additional context emerged regarding Tasia Fortune. She was the mother of four children. Reports state that Tasia Fortune struggled with homelessness and past abuse. Prosecutors stated in court that Ratliff tried to hide from officers in a vehicle on the day of his arrest.