Dr. Michael Baden is one of the most prominent forensic pathologists in the United States, having served as chief medical examiner of New York City and as a consultant on numerous high-profile cases (including the O.J. Simpson trial and investigations into the deaths of John Belushi and John F. Kennedy).
His Role in the Epstein Case: Mark Epstein, Jeffrey Epstein’s brother, hired Dr. Baden to observe and review the autopsy and to conduct an independent forensic analysis of the death.
His Findings: Baden concluded publicly that Jeffrey Epstein’s injuries were more consistent with homicidal strangulation than suicide by hanging. Specifically, he pointed to:
- A fractured hyoid bone
- Fractures of other small bones in the neck (thyroid cartilage cornua)
- The pattern and combination of these injuries
Baden has stated that in more than 40 years of observing autopsies, he has rarely seen three such fractures in a suicide by hanging. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of New York maintained its suicide ruling, with the OCME noting that hyoid fractures can occur in suicidal hangings, particularly in older men.
Impact: Baden’s findings sustained the public controversy over the cause of death and fueled ongoing demands for further investigation. The DOJ Inspector General’s 2023 report found no evidence of homicide but did not fully resolve the forensic controversy.