The New York Times reports that accused sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein tied his jail bed sheet around his neck and used it to hang himself, breaking several bones in the process, while in federal custody at the Metropolitan Correctional Center.
Initial autopsy reports that revealed Epstein broke several bones in his neck, including his hyoid, a U-shaped bone in the front and middle of the neck, led conspiracists to suspect foul play. The bone can be broken during suicide by hanging, but is more commonly associated with strangulation, although medical experts and the coroner who oversaw Epstein's autopsy say he died by suicide.
Specifically, Epstein knelt on the floor of his cell with the bed sheet around his neck and used it to hang himself while the two guards tasked with overseeing him supposedly slept, The New York Times reported. Epstein was found unconscious at around 6:30 AM, after three hours of not being checked on.
MCC staffers tried to revive the convicted sex offender and wealthy financier before he was transported to a nearby hospital and pronounced dead. He was being held without bail on charges of sex trafficking of minors and conspiracy.
His legal team announced it would investigate the circumstances surrounding Epstein's death, along with the Southern District of New York that charged him, the Office of the Inspector General overseen by Attorney General William Barr, and the FBI.
The MCC has dealt with understaffing under President Donald Trump's administration, and has been unable to hire new correctional officers. The two staffers on guard at the time of Epstein's suicide included one retired correctional officer who was volunteering.
The Times also reported that Epstein's cell had a small window, which gave him view of the guards' desk, so Epstein may have noticed them sleeping before he was able to hang himself on his bed sheet. Epstein had previously been on suicide watch for six days after an earlier apparent suicide attempt, but had been taken off and was subject to regular psychiatric check-ups.
- Read more:
- Despite the conspiracy theories, broken bones in Epstein's neck aren't proof he was murdered, medical experts say
- Jeffrey Epstein's alleged madam Ghislaine Maxwell was spotted at an In-N-Out in Los Angeles — here's what she ordered at the California fast-food chain
- Suicide is such a constant concern at federal jails that guards have a stick with a blade on the end to cut down inmates who try to hang themselves
- Autopsy reveals that Jeffrey Epstein had multiple broken bones in his neck — raising questions over whether he really died from suicide
If you or someone you know is experiencing depression or has had thoughts of harming themself or taking their own life, get help. In the US, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which provides 24/7, free, confidential support for people in distress, as well as best practices for professionals and resources to aid in prevention and crisis situations. Help is also available through the Crisis Text Line — just text "HOME" to 741741. The International Association for Suicide Prevention offers resources for those outside the US.
If you are a survivor of sexual assault, you can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-656-4673) or visit its website to receive confidential support.
