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Topics: Jeffrey Epstein, Crime, US News, Conspiracy Theories, Mental Health
Callum Jones
Topics: Jeffrey Epstein, Crime, US News, Conspiracy Theories, Mental Health
Warning: This article contains discussion of suicide which some readers may find distressing.
A doctor representing the Epstein family has called for a new investigation after claiming the convicted sex offender didn't die by suicide.
Jeffrey Epstein was found deceased in his Manhattan cell on August 10, 2019, while he was awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges.
A coroner later ruled the former financier died by suicide.
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Epstein was placed on suicide watch after he attempted to take his own life on July 23, 2019. At the time, Epstein claimed his cell mate, Nicholas Tartaglione - who was behind bars on murder charges - of attempting to kill him.
In the Epstein files released by the Department of Justice in December, details surrounding the his post-mortem were released.
Dr Michael Baden, who was present at the post-mortem examination, is unconvinced Epstein took his own life.
Speaking to the Telegraph in a recent interview, Dr Baden, who was hired by Epstein's estate, said: "My opinion is that his death was most likely caused by strangulation pressure rather than hanging. Given all the information now available, further investigation into the cause and manner of death is warranted."
Dr Baden added: "At the time that the autopsy was done by the medical examiner, we both agreed that, on the basis of the autopsy report and the information available, more information was needed to determine the cause and manner of death."
It's worth noting that the doctor did not conduct the post-mortem but was in attendance on behalf of the Epstein family.
Dr Barbara Sampson, chief medical examiner in New York at the time, ruled Epstein had died by suicide and dismissed any suggestion and evidence of strangulation.
"I have not seen any evidence of further study, nothing that indicated further investigation into the cause of death," Dr Baden added. "The diagnosis was made a number of days after the first cause of death given."
The doctor went on to say people just 'accepted' the cause of death verdict and that complicated cases such as this can take weeks or even months before the full picture is revealed.
He continued: "The autopsy findings are much more consistent with a crushing injury caused by homicidal strangulation than caused by hanging by suicide."
The FBI and Trump administration say there is no evidence Epstein was murdered and say his cause of death is as a result of suicide.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in a mental health crisis, help is available through Mental Health America. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. You can also reach the Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741.