Overview
- Jeffrey Epstein was found dead in his New York jail cell in 2019, with officials ruling the death a suicide by hanging.
- Forensic pathologist Michael Baden, who observed the autopsy on behalf of Epstein’s brother, alleges the injuries indicate homicide and cites three neck fractures as atypical for hanging.
- Lead pathologist Kristin Roman maintains the suicide finding and explains that fractures of the hyoid and thyroid cartilage can be consistent with hanging mechanics rather than manual strangulation.
- Disagreement extends to the ligature, as Roman describes a bedsheet noose found by the body while Baden says he saw no matching ligature at the autopsy and finds later cell photos unconvincing.
- Newly released documents say Roman was not allowed to inspect the cell or interview custody staff and had to rely on scene photographs, a limitation that has sustained public skepticism and energized Epstein’s family objections.