Mother of woman found hanging in tree shocked as police say body was staged

Tasia Fortune, a 29-year-old mother of four, was discovered hanging from a tree at an empty property in Jackson in August. Police now say the scene was staged.

Her mother, Christy Spivey, told the BBC that the new information has raised further questions. Authorities have not revealed the precise cause of death or a possible motive.

Spivey said a coroner had earlier told her Fortune did not die by hanging, which initially brought some comfort. She is upset with how police have handled the inquiry and says the latest developments have been difficult to bear.

Police have not explained how three suspects were linked to Fortune or why her death was allegedly staged. The case had already unsettled the community and prompted calls from lawmakers for federal investigations.

Spivey acknowledged her daughter had struggled with addiction but said that did not justify what happened. Fortune’s four sons, aged one to seven, are staying with relatives and friends; adoption proceedings are underway for two of them.