Jeffrey Epstein

Jeffrey Epstein was a convicted sex offender and child molester. After spending a few months in jail and declaring that he was willing to cooperate with the authorities, he bizarrely committed suicide and was found hanging in his jail cell on August 10^th, 2019. Though ruled as a suicide, due to the abnormal circumstances surrounding Epstein’s death, it is highly improbable that it truly was a suicide.

Important information regarding this story includes the lack of security on the night of the supposed suicide, the improper handling of the scene when Epstein’s body was discovered, and the condition of Epstein’s body that suggests third-party involvement. Additionally, I will examine other circumstances showing that he was not preparing suicide, such as his fearing for his life, his paying for protection inside of prison, and his potential for exposing incriminating details about the wealthy and elite, not to mention that he had a court hearing coming up and would have been able to post bail.

Topics I will be exploring include:

·       Why was Epstein considered suicidal?

·       In what condition was his body found?

·       How does his body suggest a homicide?

·       How was he able to commit suicide while on suicide watch?

·       Who was he going to expose/what information did he have?

·       Who would benefit from his silence?

CBS 60 Minutes. “60 Minutes Investigates the Death of Jeffrey Epstein.” CBS News, CBS Interactive, 5 Jan. 2020, www.cbsnews.com/news/did-jeffrey-epstein-kill-himself-60-minutes-investigates-2020-01-05/.

Summary: This transcript of an episode of CBS's 60 Minutes generally describes the events that took place before Epstein's death, as well as the immediate aftermath. They interview a forensic pathologist who describes that the neck fractures are abnormal, as well as the wounds around the neck being in the wrong place. He comes to the conclusion that a homicide should not be ruled out.

Evaluation: I think this is a reliable source because the narration is non-biased and CBS never chose a side. Even the forensic pathologist, who gives the most evidence for the conspiracy, admits that alternative explanations must be considered.

Garrison, Joey, et al. “Despite Warning Signs, Why Wasn't Jeffrey Epstein on Suicide Watch When He Died?” USA Today, Gannett Satellite Information Network, 10 Aug. 2019, www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2019/08/10/jeffrey-epstein-suicide-watch-when-he-died-how-safeguards-arent-foolproof/1975631001/.

Summary: This article provide additional information about the circumstances of when and why Epstein was taken off suicide watch. They also discuss general cases of suicide watch and the usual protocol for taking someone off suicide watch.

Evaluation: USA Today is a reputable news source because they interviewed professionals with experience in the field and didn't just give their own opinion. By introducing more health professionals, they give great insight into this topic.

Watkins, Ali, et al. “Inmate 76318-054: The Last Days of Jeffrey Epstein.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 17 Aug. 2019, www.nytimes.com/2019/08/17/nyregion/epstein-suicide-death.html.

Summary: This article by the New York Times describes Epstein's last days in jail. It details his activities, like how he spent them seeking as much comfort as possible by spending up to 12 hours a day with lawyers, and how he gave large sums of money to fellow inmates for personal protection. Basically, the article talks about how Epstein's wealth gave him many benefits behind bars. It also mentions a brief history of the events that transpired leading to the suicide, and how it was unusual for someone who attempted suicide to be taken off of suicide watch after only a few days.

Evaluation: The New York Times is an established and reputable source. The claims they make are unbiased and are given from people interviewed that worked on the case.

Shortell, David. “Bureau of Prisons Chief Removed in Wake of Jeffrey Epstein Suicide - CNN Politics.” CNN, Cable News Network, 19 Aug. 2019, www.cnn.com/2019/08/19/politics/bureau-of-prisons-director/index.html.

Summary: Attorney General William Barr was upset to learn about the suicide of Jeffrey Epstein, and claims that there were "serious irregularities" at the Manhattan jail that Epstein had been in. Due to this, he removed Hugh Hurwitz from head of the Bureau of Prisons. The article finishes by mentioning how the guards were supposed to be checking in on Epstein at least every 30 minutes, but left him unattended for hours.

Evaluation: Although CNN is often biased, this article is not based off politics and does not give a stance on the events that transpired. Instead, they describe what happened and what the attorney general said, often quoting him exactly. Therefore, this is a reputable source.