Charlotte, December 27, 2025
A 42-year-old man, Jason Hicks, has died following a medical emergency while in custody at the Mecklenburg County Detention Center in Charlotte. The incident, which is currently under investigation by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, adds to concerns about inmate welfare as it marks the fourth in-custody death at this facility in 2025. Details surrounding the specific medical emergency and Hicks’s underlying conditions remain undisclosed as the investigation unfolds.
Charlotte
A 42-year-old man, Jason Hicks, died on Friday, December 26, 2025, after experiencing a medical emergency while in custody at the Mecklenburg County Detention Center-Central in Charlotte, North Carolina. The death is currently under investigation by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI).
Hicks was transported from the detention center to Atrium Health Main Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased later that morning. His passing marks the fourth in-custody death at the Mecklenburg County jail in 2025, drawing significant attention to inmate welfare and detention facility procedures.
Details of the Incident
The sequence of events began early on Friday morning when a detention officer in Hicks’s housing unit reported a medical emergency at approximately 4:37 a.m. on December 26, 2025. Following this report, jail medical staff promptly evaluated Hicks. Upon their assessment, it was determined that his condition warranted urgent and additional medical attention beyond what could be provided on-site.
Mecklenburg EMS (MEDIC) was then called to the detention center. Paramedics arrived at approximately 4:49 a.m. and transported Hicks to Atrium Health Main, a major medical facility in the area. Despite efforts, Jason Hicks was pronounced deceased at the hospital at approximately 8:27 a.m., or around 8:30 a.m. according to other reports. The specific nature of the medical emergency and the underlying cause of death have not yet been publicly disclosed.
Investigation Underway
Consistent with protocol for in-custody deaths, the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), a State-level agency, has taken over the investigation into the circumstances surrounding Jason Hicks’s death. This independent inquiry aims to thoroughly examine all aspects of the incident, including the care provided, the timeline of events, and adherence to facility policies and procedures. The Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office has publicly stated its full cooperation with the SBI’s investigation, providing access to all necessary information and personnel. The results of the SBI’s findings, along with the official cause of death from the medical examiner’s office, are crucial for understanding this incident comprehensively and are anticipated by the public.
Custody Background and Charges
Jason Hicks had been held at the Mecklenburg County Detention Center-Central since Friday, December 19, 2025, meaning he had been in custody for exactly one week at the time of his death. His arrest was carried out by Matthews police, and he was facing charges of felony larceny and habitual larceny. The detention center where the incident occurred is located on East 4th Street in uptown Charlotte. These details provide context for Hicks’s presence in the facility prior to the medical emergency. Next of kin have been formally notified of his passing.
Broader Context and Official Statement
The death of Jason Hicks represents the fourth in-custody fatality at the Mecklenburg County jail within the calendar year 2025. This pattern of deaths typically prompts heightened scrutiny from community advocates, local officials, and the public regarding the conditions within the detention facility, the adequacy of inmate medical care, and overall operational oversight. Such incidents underscore the critical importance of transparent investigations and accountability in correctional facilities. The ongoing nature of these deaths often leads to questions about systemic issues and potential areas for improvement in inmate health and safety protocols.
In response to the tragic event, Sheriff Garry McFadden issued a statement expressing profound condolences. He acknowledged the heartbreak associated with any loss, emphasizing that it can be particularly difficult and feel heavier when it occurs during the holiday season. The Sheriff’s message conveyed sympathy to Hicks’s family and loved ones, with an expressed hope that they might find comfort in the memories they shared with him. The Sheriff’s Office continues to assure the public of its commitment to ensuring a thorough and impartial investigation by the State Bureau of Investigation.
The outcome of both the SBI’s detailed review and the medical examiner’s findings will be essential in providing a full account of what transpired and may inform future policies and practices within the Mecklenburg County Detention Center-Central. This collective effort is aimed at ensuring transparency and addressing public confidence in the correctional system’s ability to safeguard those in its care.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened to Jason Hicks?
- Jason Hicks, a 42-year-old man, died on Friday, December 26, 2025, after experiencing a medical emergency while in custody at the Mecklenburg County Detention Center-Central in Charlotte, North Carolina.
- When did the medical emergency occur?
- A medical emergency was reported in Hicks’s housing unit at approximately 4:37 a.m. on Friday, December 26, 2025.
- Where did Jason Hicks die?
- Jason Hicks was transported from the Mecklenburg County Detention Center-Central to Atrium Health Main Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.
- Who is investigating Jason Hicks’s death?
- The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) is investigating the death, and the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office is cooperating.
- What was Jason Hicks arrested for?
- Jason Hicks was arrested by Matthews police for alleged felony larceny and habitual larceny.
- How long was Jason Hicks in custody?
- Jason Hicks had been in jail since Friday, December 19, 2025, prior to his death.
- Is this the first death at the jail this year?
- No, this is the fourth in-custody death at the Mecklenburg County jail in 2025.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Deceased Individual | Jason Hicks, 42 years old |
| Date of Death | Friday, December 26, 2025 |
| Location of Incident | Mecklenburg County Detention Center-Central, Charlotte, North Carolina |
| Circumstance of Death | Medical emergency while in custody |
| Investigating Agency (State-level) | North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) |
| Arrest Charges | Alleged felony larceny and habitual larceny |
| Date Entered Custody | Friday, December 19, 2025 |
| Number of In-Custody Deaths in 2025 | Fourth at Mecklenburg County jail |
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Author: HERE Charlotte
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