Jail cell death shock
THE FBI will lead an investigation into the apparent jailhouse suicide of disgraced US financier Jeffrey Epstein at the weekend.
Epstein, 66, who had been accused of orchestrating a sextrafficking ring and sexually abusing underage girls, was found unresponsive in his New York cell and was pronounced dead in hospital.
He had been on suicide watch after he was found about two weeks ago with neck bruising, but he was taken off that watch at the end of July.
There will be an investigation by the FBI and Justice Department into the death, along side the ongoing probe into allegations of sex abuse and conspiracy against him.
Attorney-General William Barr said he was “appalled” to learn of the death in custody.
“Mr Epstein’s death raises serious questions that must be answered,” Barr said.
Epstein faced up to 45 years’ jail on federal sex trafficking and conspiracy charges unsealed last month.
He had pleaded not guilty and was awaiting trial. One of Epstein’s accusers, who now lives in Queensland, spoke yesterday about her mixed feelings after his death.
Virginia Giuffre, 36, Epstein’s self-described “sex slave”, has married an Australian man.
Ms Giuffre said she was grateful Epstein would never harm anyone again, but was angry there would be no chance he would answer for his conduct.
“We’ve worked so hard to get here, and he stole that from us, too.” she said. IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES OR DEPRESSION, CONTACT LIFELINE ON 13 11 14 Mr