Question
Who performed Jeffrey Epstein’s autopsy and what were the findings?
Answer
New York City Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Barbara Sampson performed the official autopsy on Jeffrey Epstein following his death on August 10, 2019 at the Metropolitan Correctional Center. Dr. Sampson initially classified the cause of death as “pending” while further investigation proceeded. On August 16, 2019 — six days after his death — the New York City Medical Examiner’s office officially ruled Epstein’s cause of death as suicide by hanging.
The official ruling cited positional asphyxia consistent with hanging. Breaks in Epstein’s hyoid bone and other bones in the neck were documented.
Dr. Michael Baden, a prominent forensic pathologist hired by Epstein’s brother Mark Epstein, attended the official autopsy as an independent observer. Dr. Baden subsequently held a press conference disputing Dr. Sampson’s suicide ruling, stating that the fractures in Epstein’s neck bones — particularly the injuries to the hyoid bone — were more consistent with homicidal strangulation than self-hanging. Baden noted that hyoid fractures occur in only a small minority of suicidal hangings but are common in strangulation deaths.
The Justice Department and the FBI stated they were reviewing the circumstances of Epstein’s death. No formal charge or finding of homicide has been made. The official ruling of suicide by hanging has not been changed.
Sources
- New York City Medical Examiner’s office ruling, August 16, 2019
- Dr. Michael Baden press conference and statements, 2019–2020
- Federal Bureau of Prisons investigation reports