Fortune was found hanging from a tree behind a vacant home in Jackson, Miss., on Aug. 3.
Credit: GoFundMe; Jackson Police Dept.
NEED TO KNOW
- Eric Clark, 45, is the third suspect arrested in connection with Tasia Fortune’s death in Jackson, Miss.
- The medical examiner’s office said that the crime scene appeared “staged” in a press release
- Police believe the killing may have stemmed from a drug dispute as an investigation into Fortune’s death continues
A third suspect has been arrested in connection with the death of Tasia Fortune, a 29-year-old mother who was found hanging from a tree behind a vacant home in Jackson, Miss., on Aug. 3.
On Sept. 25, the Jackson Police Department announced that 45-year-old Eric Clark has been charged with murder after turning himself in, according to a press release obtained by PEOPLE.
His initial appearance has been scheduled for Sept. 28, according to the police department.
Credit: Jackson Police Dept.
“The Jackson Police Department’s Robbery-Homicide Division will continue its investigation until all individuals believed to be involved are held accountable for their actions in connection with Ms. Fortune’s death,” said the news release.
Clark’s arrest comes days after Earnest Lloyd Jr., 25, was also arrested on a murder charge in connection with Fortune’s death.
On Sept. 11, police announced the arrest of 51-year-old Jarques Ratliff, who also faces a murder charge.
Credit: Jackson Police Department; Hinds County Mississippi
Authories say Ratliff had an “association” with Fortune, but did not disclose further details about their connection.
The Jackson Police Department said in the press release that the Medical Examiner determined not only that Fortune’s death was a homicide but that “the scene and the hanging were staged.” The agencies did not link any particular suspect to the alleged staging.
At a Sept. 25 preliminary hearing for Ratliff, Jackson police Det. Samuel Dukes testified that he believes Fortune was probably dead for two to three days before she was found, per the Associated Press, NBC News, and the Clarion-Ledger.
Fortune’s killing may have stemmed from a drug dispute, said Dukes, who testified that Ratliff and Fortune were friends and that Ratliff allegedly made comments about the killing to police.
Credit: GoFundMe
Ratliff has pleaded not guilty to murder and is being held without bond, according to the outlets.
His attorney, Toney Baldwin, said he wants the “truth about what happened to come out,” according to NBC News.
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PEOPLE has reached out to Ratliff’s attorney. It is unclear if Lloyd Jr. and Clark have obtained an attorney or entered a plea.
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