Police make 2nd arrest in death of Black woman found hanging from tree, authorities say

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT/Gray News) - A second person has been arrested in connection with the death of a woman who was found hanging from a tree in Mississippi.

Investigators arrested 25-year-old Earnest Lloyd Jr. on Tuesday, Sept. 22, and charged him with murder for his alleged role in Tasia Fortune’s death.

Authorities have also obtained an arrest warrant for a third suspect. The department is not releasing that person’s name at this time.

The warrant has been turned over to the U.S. Marshals Service, and police said additional warrants are forthcoming as the investigation continues.

Fortune, 29, was found hanging from a tree behind a vacant house on Aug. 3.

Investigators have not publicly disclosed her exact cause of death.

Police previously arrested 51-year-old Jarques “Jock” Ratliff on Sept. 11, and charged him with homicide in connection with Fortune’s death.

Ratliff made his initial court appearance Monday, pleaded not guilty to the charge and was denied bond.