Medical examiner confirms Epstein death by suicide

New York City’s Medical Examiner on Friday ruled that financier Jeffrey Epstein’s death was a suicide by hanging, according to multiple reports.

Epstein, who was in jail awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges, had been found dead in his cell Saturday morning in what authorities had called an “apparent suicide.” 

The medical examiner announced Sunday evening that she had completed Epstein’s autopsy but was seeking more information before making the results public.

{mosads}The Washington Post reported Thursday, citing two people familiar with the situation, that an autopsy of Epstein revealed broken bones in his neck.

Forensic experts told the Post that one of the broken bones, the hyoid bone, can occur from hanging but is more frequently associated with homicide victims who died from strangulation. 

Epstein’s death sparked a slew of conspiracy theories over the weekend, with many questioning the circumstances surrounding the sudden death of the disgraced financier. Questions have been raised as to why Epstein, who had been placed on suicide watch in late July after reportedly being found with marks on his neck, was not more closely observed.

President Trump, who ran in the same social circles with Epstein in New York and Florida, has said he had a falling out with Epstein 15 years ago. He defended retweeting a conspiracy theory suggesting the Clintons were involved in Epstein’s death and called for a “full investigation” into the developments.

Attorney General William Barr had said Monday there were “serious irregularities” at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in lower Manhattan where Epstein was found dead.

The FBI and the Justice Department’s Office of Inspector General have opened investigations into his death. 

The Hill has reached out to the Medical Examiner’s Office for comment.

Epstein had been accused of sex trafficking activities involving underage girls between 2002 and 2005. He was convicted in 2008 on separate sexual misconduct charges and forced to join the sex offender registry. His 2008 plea agreement became the subject of much scrutiny following a Miami Herald report last year.

Updated 5:10 p.m.