Call for New Investigation into Epstein’s Death

A well-known pathologist who was present at Jeffrey Epstein’s autopsy is advocating for a renewed investigation, asserting that newly disclosed information reinforces his belief that Epstein was murdered.

Dr. Michael Baden, who served as New York City’s chief medical examiner in the 1970s, expressed alarm over findings from an August 2019 examination, stating publicly at the time that “the evidence points to murder, not suicide.”

“That was my opinion then, and I still stand by it,” Baden shared in an interview with the Telegraph recently. “The autopsy findings are much more consistent with homicidal strangulation and crushing death than with suicide by hanging.”

Baden contended that the documents released concerning Epstein’s case support his view that the medical examiner hastily ruled the death a suicide.

He pointed out that there was suspicious activity noted at the Metropolitan Correctional Center around the time of Epstein’s death, including a curious orange flash in a surveillance video that could have involved an inmate. This, he argues, should not be simply dismissed as some sort of conspiracy theory.

“Given all the information currently available, further investigation into the cause and manner of death is warranted,” Baden emphasized in a recent conversation.

Baden attended the autopsy at the behest of Epstein’s brother, Mark, who has long held the belief that his brother was murdered.

During their discussions, Baden and then-chief medical examiner Barbara Sampson concurred that the autopsy results were inconclusive and noted that “further information is needed to determine the cause and manner of death.”

Newly released documents showed that Epstein’s cause of death was initially recorded as pending. Baden interprets this as evidence supporting his notion that additional information was needed.

However, just five days later, Sampson ruled Epstein’s death a suicide by hanging, which took Baden by surprise.

“I haven’t seen any evidence for further investigation. I haven’t seen anything to suggest further investigation into the cause of death,” he said, expressing his disbelief at the quick conclusion that ignored his observations.

Specifically, Baden noted that doctors identified three fractures in Epstein’s neck, a condition he had never encountered due to hanging in his extensive career.

“If there is even one broken bone, we have to investigate the possibility of murder. There are definitely two that require a full investigation,” he indicated. “Textbook findings never list such fractures, and I have never seen one.”

Baden dismissed the idea that the injuries resulted from a noose made from bed linens, as the authorities had claimed. “It wasn’t as smooth as the sheets and marks on Epstein’s neck. We would have needed a different type of material,” he explained.

Sampson has consistently refuted claims of strangulation and defended the conclusions of her office. The suicide ruling was ultimately endorsed by the Trump administration.

A panel of six senior forensic pathologists produced a detailed report in 2024, reviewing the complete autopsy, crime scene photos, and all pertinent information from the inquiry.

While four members classified the case as a suicide, two found it impossible to reach a conclusive verdict.