Transfer to MCC
Following his July 6, 2019 arrest, Epstein was detained at Metropolitan Correctional Center (MCC), a federal detention facility in lower Manhattan. MCC holds pre-trial detainees and has a high-security Special Housing Unit (SHU) where Epstein was placed.
The Suicide Watch
On July 23approximately two weeks after his arrivalEpstein was placed on suicide watch after being found in his cell in a semi-conscious state with marks on his neck. He denied attempting self-harm and said another inmate had attacked him.
Removal from Suicide Watch
Approximately two weeks after being placed on suicide watch, Epstein was removed from it. This decision required medical and administrative sign-off. He was returned to his previous housing unit.
The Night of August 9-10
Standard protocol required 30-minute checks on inmates in the SHU. On the night of August 9 into 10:
- Both assigned guards were asleep during the overnight hours
- The camera system monitoring Epstein’s corridor had malfunctioning equipment
- Epstein’s cellmate had been moved out, leaving him alone
- No 30-minute checks were documented
The Discovery
Epstein was found unresponsive in his cell at approximately 6:30 AM on August 10, 2019. Medical staff attempted resuscitation. He was declared dead at New York Presbyterian-Lower Manhattan Hospital.
The Official Finding
Medical Examiner Dr. Barbara Sampson concluded the cause of death was hanging. However, Epstein’s family hired private forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Baden, who concluded the injuries were more consistent with homicidal strangulation than suicide. The debate continues.