CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Activists are planning to hold a vigil outside of the Mecklenburg County Jail Monday to raise concerns over the deaths of several inmates.
The Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office said it’s investigating the fourth death of an inmate in 2018. The four deaths have been over the last two months.
Three activists groups will gather outside the jail to push for changes to prevent more deaths behind bars.
Investigators told Channel 9 Jerome Thompson, 52, jumped from the second floor of a general housing pod around 10:30 p.m. Wednesday.
Mecklenburg County deputies investigate death of inmate
He underwent surgery but was pronounced dead around 7 a.m. Thursday.
This was the fourth death of an inmate this year, with several happening in the last few weeks.
Inmate found dead in Charlotte jail
“I am deeply disturbed by the news of a fourth death at our jail this year. This is truly unfortunate and rare,” Mecklenburg County Sheriff Irwin Carmichael said. “My heart goes out to all of the families. Our chaplain’s unit has been there and will continue to be there for the inmates in our custody and MCSO staff while the investigations continue.”
No further details were provided.
Officials have told Channel 9 they are having a hard time recruiting detention officers and deputies and that current officers are forced to work longer hours.
Officials say there is no safety issue, but the jail does have to use overtime to cover gaps.
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