What the Hyoid Is
The hyoid bone is a U-shaped bone in the neck that supports the tongue. It is one of the few bones in the human body not directly articulating with another bone. It can be fractured in trauma to the neck.
The Autopsy Finding
The autopsy performed by the NYC Medical Examiner’s office found fractures of the hyoid bone and surrounding cartilage in Epstein’s neck. The ME noted the findings but concluded the overall presentation was consistent with suicide by hanging.
The Statistical Argument
Research on hanging deaths shows that hyoid fractures occur in a significant but minority percentage of hanging deaths studies have found rates ranging from under 10% to over 25% depending on the study population. Hyoid fractures are more commonly associated with manual strangulation (homicide).
Dr. Baden’s View
Forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Baden, retained by the Epstein family, stated publicly that the pattern of fractures including multiple neck bones was more consistent with homicidal strangulation than with hanging. He noted the circumstances were unusual.
The Unresolved Debate
The forensic debate has not been definitively resolved. Without additional physical evidence (the cell itself, camera footage, witness accounts), the fracture findings alone cannot determine homicide vs. suicide. The medical examiner’s ruling of suicide stands officially.