Jarques Ratliff, 51, and Earnest Lloyd Jr., 25, were arrested on murder charges in Tasia Fortune’s homicide. A detective testified investigators believe Fortune was dead before her body was hanged; the medical examiner’s opinion was that the hanging was staged.
Authorities have not disclosed the exact cause of Fortune’s death but have ruled it a homicide. Detective Samuel Dukes testified that a drug dispute appears to have been the motive and that interviews indicated Fortune fought hard before she was killed. Authorities have not said why they believe her body was hanged after death.
Police have issued a warrant for a third person. Ratliff has pleaded not guilty and remains in custody without bond. His hearing, which will determine whether there is enough evidence to send the case to a grand jury for possible indictment, resumes Sept. 30.
