USA TODAY International Edition
Epstein’s manner of death questioned
WASHINGTON – New York City's chief medical examiner said there's no need for a second investigation into Jeffrey Epstein's death after a pathologist hired by the family argued that injuries to the disgraced financier point to homicide, not suicide.
Epstein, 66, died while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges. He was found unresponsive in his Manhattan jail cell early on Aug. 10.
New York City Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Barbara Sampson later ruled that Epstein died of suicide by hanging and refuted conspiracy theories that foul play was involved.
Michael Baden, a former New York City medical examiner hired by Epstein's brother, said in a Fox & Friends interview Wednesday morning that broken bones in Epstein's neck indicate a “huge amount of pressure” was applied.
“There were findings that are unusual for suicide by hanging and more consistent with ligature homicidal strangulation,” Baden said.
Curiosity around one of those broken neck bones – the hyoid – has been at the center of theories about Epstein's death, which President Donald Trump has promoted.
News outlets reported in August that Epstein suffered broken bones in his neck. But The Washington Post, which first reported on the injuries, cited experts saying such breaks can occur in people who hang themselves, particularly if they are older.
In a statement Wednesday, Sampson said she stands by her conclusion that Epstein died by suicide. “There is no reason for a second medical investigation by our office,” she said.