Epstein Placed on Suicide Watch After August 9 Incident
Following the August 9 incident in which Epstein was found unresponsive, MCC places him on suicide watch a precaution that is subsequently lifted before his death.
People Involved
Following the discovery of Epstein in an apparently distressed condition in his cell on or around August 9, 2019, MCC placed him on suicide watch. Suicide watch protocols involve continuous monitoring, removal of items that could be used for self-harm, and placement in a dedicated observation area.
The placement on suicide watch reflected the institution’s recognition that Epstein was at risk. However, as subsequent investigations revealed, the watch was lifted after a short period and Epstein was moved to a cell where the overnight monitoring requirements were not met.
The decision to lift suicide watch so quickly before his death on August 10 became a central question in the DOJ inspector general investigation, which found no evidence of homicide but documented extensive institutional failures.