Jefferson County Inmate Charlie James Dunn Dies After Jail Cell Suicide Attempt; Second Fatality at Bessemer Facility in Recent Weeks Raises Concerns
JEFFERSON COUNTY, AL — May 2, 2025
A Jefferson County inmate has died following a suicide attempt inside his jail cell, marking the second such fatal incident at the Bessemer jail facility in recent weeks. Authorities have identified the deceased as 27-year-old Charlie James Dunn, a resident of Bessemer, Alabama.
According to the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office, Dunn was discovered unresponsive by detention staff at approximately 3:20 p.m. on Friday, April 26, after he allegedly attempted to take his own life by hanging himself with a bed sheet. The incident occurred inside his cell at the Jefferson County Jail in Bessemer.
Immediate life-saving measures were initiated by jail personnel, and Dunn was quickly transported to UAB Medical West for emergency treatment. Despite aggressive medical intervention, he was pronounced clinically dead on Wednesday, May 1, at 3:52 p.m. Dunn remained on life support temporarily, as he had previously registered to be an organ donor. His wishes were honored, and life-sustaining measures were discontinued once organ donation was facilitated.
In the aftermath of Dunn’s death, Jefferson County Circuit Judge David Carpenter formally dismissed all pending criminal charges against him on Thursday, May 2, enabling his family to proceed with end-of-life decisions.
At the time of his arrest, Dunn had been booked into the facility on April 14 on charges of drug possession and receiving stolen property. In addition, he faced an active indictment for attempted murder, tied to allegations that he fired a weapon at an occupied vehicle. His legal proceedings were ongoing prior to his death.
This tragedy follows a recent pattern of concern at the Jefferson County Jail in Bessemer. Dunn’s death marks the second inmate suicide-related fatality reported in the facility within a short time frame. Both incidents resulted in hospitalization at UAB Medical West, sparking serious questions about mental health care, inmate monitoring, and suicide prevention protocols at the jail.
Despite the back-to-back incidents, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office has not publicly commented on any pending policy reviews or corrective action. However, the case remains under internal investigation as authorities examine the circumstances and timeline surrounding Dunn’s death.
The jail administration has reportedly begun offering support services to both staff and inmates, acknowledging the emotional toll such events take within a correctional setting. Advocates for incarcerated individuals are now calling for transparency, accountability, and reform, particularly regarding mental health assessments, staff training, and crisis intervention systems.
Mental health professionals have long warned that jails are ill-equipped to manage complex psychiatric needs, and inmate suicides remain a leading cause of death in detention facilities across the United States.
As the investigation continues, Dunn’s family is left mourning a young man whose life ended under tragic circumstances. His death serves as another stark reminder of the vulnerabilities and systemic shortcomings within the criminal justice and correctional systems.
Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis, including suicidal thoughts, is encouraged to seek help. The National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 by dialing 988 — a confidential, free resource for anyone in distress.