CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating the death of 71-year-old Elijah Kelly who was an inmate at the jail in Uptown Charlotte.
A detention officer called a medical emergency shortly after 4:30am on Thursday, December 14th when Kelly was found unresponsive.
Officials say detention personnel promptly started resuscitation efforts and continued until emergency medical personnel arrived. At approximately, 4:51am, the Charlotte Fire Department and MEDIC arrived and continued resuscitation efforts. Kelly was pronounced deceased at 5:14am, according to a news release.
Requests for Kelly’s health information may not be disclosed as it is protected by HIPPA.
“Reporting the death of a resident in our care is always a difficult task. Everyone at MCSO has been affected by the death of Mr. Elijah Kelly, and we extend our deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones,” said Sheriff McFadden.
Officials say Kelly was processed into custody at the Mecklenburg County Detention Center – Central on Thursday, October 19, 2023. The SBI will also conduct a thorough in-custody death investigation as the medical examiner determines the cause of death, according to a news release.
