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Police in Mississippi believe 29-year-old Tasia Fortune was already dead before her body was “staged” and placed hanging from a tree, according to US media reports.
A detective disclosed the assessment in court on Friday and said investigators believed Fortune had been killed during a dispute linked to drugs. Her body was found in August on the grounds of an abandoned house in Jackson.
The discovery caused widespread fear in the majority-Black city, given Mississippi’s history of racial violence and lynchings. The lack of information about the investigation left many residents shocked and concerned.
Police have made multiple arrests
Jackson Police Chief RaShall Brackney told the BBC that the department’s position had remained unchanged.
“Our language has been consistent... Ms Fortune was found in a hanging position. We have not released any information contrary to that statement,”
Brackney did not immediately respond to further questions about the detective’s testimony. Authorities have not disclosed Fortune’s exact cause of death or explained why they believe the hanging was staged.
The medical examiner confirmed earlier this month that Fortune’s death was a homicide and said a murder charge would be filed.
Jarques Ratliff, 51, was arrested and pleaded not guilty. He remains in custody without bond.
Earnest Lloyd Jr, 25, was arrested in the case this week. A third person was reportedly being sought by authorities.
