Charlie James Dunn, 27, Beloved Son and Bessemer Native, Dies by Suicide at Jefferson County Jail After Being Found Unresponsive in Cell
Charlie James Dunn, 27, Beloved Son and Bessemer Native, Dies by Suicide at Jefferson County Jail After Being Found Unresponsive in Cell; Family Grants Final Gift Through Organ Donation Following Court-Ordered Case Dismissal
BESSEMER, ALABAMA — The family of Charlie James Dunn, a 27-year-old Bessemer native remembered for his deep heart, sense of humor, and loyalty to loved ones, is mourning his tragic death after he was found unresponsive in his cell at the Jefferson County Jail on Friday, April 26. Dunn died by suicide, according to the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office, after an apparent hanging attempt using a bed sheet.
Charlie was discovered by jail staff at approximately 3:20 p.m. during routine checks. Emergency medical procedures were immediately initiated by detention personnel, and he was quickly transported to UAB Medical West, where he received urgent care. Despite these efforts, Charlie was later declared clinically dead on Wednesday, May 1, 2025, at 3:52 p.m., after several days in critical condition on life support.
His family made the courageous and selfless decision to honor his wishes as an organ donor, a choice he had made prior to his death — a final act of generosity from a young man remembered by those closest to him as someone who “always wanted to help others, even when he couldn’t help himself.”
A formal ruling by Jefferson County Circuit Judge David Carpenter on Thursday, May 2 dismissed all of Charlie’s pending legal matters, a necessary step that allowed his family to proceed with organ donation and respectfully discontinue life-sustaining treatment, in line with Charlie’s documented wishes.
A Life Remembered, Not Just a Case File
Charlie James Dunn was born and raised in Bessemer, a tight-knit community where he was known by friends and neighbors as “CJ.” He attended local schools and played youth football, a sport he loved for its teamwork and rhythm — something his family says reflected his personality.
“He had a laugh that could break the silence in a room, and a way of lighting up even the darkest moment,” said a cousin. “Charlie carried burdens, but he carried love too.”
Though he faced personal challenges, including battles with substance use and legal troubles, Charlie’s family insists that his mistakes do not define the man he was — nor should they overshadow the kindness, warmth, and sense of responsibility that defined his private moments. His mother shared, “Charlie was not perfect, but he was ours. He had a beautiful soul, and we loved him deeply.”
He is survived by his mother, grandmother, three siblings, and a son who is now grappling with the loss of his father.
A System Under Scrutiny
Charlie had been in custody at the Jefferson County Jail in Bessemer since April 14, 2025, after being booked on charges related to drug possession and receiving stolen property. He was also awaiting trial in connection with an attempted murder indictment, stemming from an incident involving shots fired at a vehicle.
Though the legal matters were still unresolved at the time of his death, Dunn had not yet been convicted of these charges. The Jefferson County court’s decision to dismiss his cases posthumously made it possible for his family to carry out his final wishes — a process that underscores how intricately legal systems can affect families during moments of deep grief.
This is now the second suicide-related death reported at the Bessemer jail facility in recent months. In both instances, inmates succumbed to self-inflicted injuries at UAB Medical West, prompting growing concerns about mental health resources and suicide prevention within the Jefferson County correctional system.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office has not released a formal statement regarding any policy changes or internal reviews in light of the recent deaths. However, they confirmed that an internal investigation is ongoing. The names of the responding detention staff have not been publicly disclosed, and no disciplinary actions have been announced at this time.
Meanwhile, support services have been made available to jail personnel and fellow inmates, including mental health counselors and trauma-informed care professionals.
Mental Health in Alabama Jails: An Ongoing Crisis
Dunn’s death comes at a time when Alabama’s correctional institutions continue to face criticism from advocacy groups, families, and civil rights organizations for failing to address the mental health crisis within their walls.
In 2018, Jefferson County signed a new contract to expand its mental health services in jails, including the implementation of 24-hour access to mental health evaluations, daily psychological assessments, and suicide watch protocols. Despite these measures, suicides in custody remain a painful reality.
“Charlie’s death is not just a personal loss — it’s a failure of the system to recognize the humanity and vulnerability of people in custody,” said an advocate from the Alabama Justice Reform Alliance, who emphasized the need for trauma-informed training, dedicated crisis response units in jails, and stronger oversight from state health departments.
The Family’s Plea: A Call for Compassion and Change
In a public statement, Charlie’s family expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support they’ve received from the community and from others who have lost loved ones in similar circumstances.
They also issued a heartfelt plea for empathy and reform:
“We ask that Charlie’s life — and his death — not be reduced to his legal record. He was a son, a father, a nephew, a friend. He had plans. He had struggles. And like so many others, he needed more support than he was given. We hope no other family has to go through what we’re going through now.”
“If our pain can spark a change — in policy, in awareness, in how we treat mental illness in jails — then maybe his death won’t have been in vain.”
A Final Act of Love
Charlie’s legacy lives on not just in memory, but in the lives of the individuals who received his donated organs — a final act of humanity that speaks volumes about the kind of person he truly was.
His family has requested privacy in the coming days as they prepare for funeral arrangements and begin the difficult journey of healing. A memorial service is expected to be held in Bessemer, with community members invited to attend and celebrate Charlie’s life.
If You or Someone You Know is Struggling
If you are in crisis or know someone who may be considering suicide, help is available:
- National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
- Alabama Crisis Center: Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Birmingham Crisis Services: (205) 323-7777 (24-hour support)
No one has to go through this alone.
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