MECKLENBURG COUNTY, N.C. – There have been three inmate deaths in just two weeks at the Mecklenburg County jail. A fourth one has been reported so far this year.

• There have been four reported deaths this year at Mecklenburg County jail
• Jerome Thompson died Thursday after jumping for the second floor of the jail
• Officials say he had a fractured skull

The inmate who died Thursday, took his own life by jumping from the second floor of a housing pod, according to the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office.           

52-year-old Jerome Thompson was taken to the hospital where he later died and had a fractured skull. Thompson was arrested Wednesday and was due in court Thursday afternoon on several charges including attempted first-degree murder charges.

39-year-old Kenneth Bigham died in May while in solitary confinement. He was there on assault and drug charges.

On June 28, 34-year-old Jemarcus Mcilwaine died after being taken to the hospital.

On July 5, 35-year-old Lavarchio Allen was pronounced dead around 8 a.m.

Sheriff Irwin Carmichael released a statement saying, “I am deeply disturbed by the news of a fourth death at our jail this year. This is truly unfortunate and rare. 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.”

Officials say they do not have causes of death in the first three inmate deaths of this year, those investigations are ongoing.