A US Department of Justice statement announcing Jeffrey Epstein's death was dated the day before he was found dead hanging in his cell, newly released documents reveal. The statement, issued by Manhattan US Attorney Geoffrey Berman, is dated Friday, August 9, 2019, while prison records confirm Epstein was not discovered unresponsive until a corrections officer delivered breakfast on August 10.
The discrepancy may fuel speculation surrounding Epstein's death, which occurred amid a catalogue of prison failures. An inquiry found that guards tasked with monitoring Epstein missed two scheduled rounds at 3am and 5am, and two cameras outside his cell had malfunctioned, leaving gaps in surveillance. Epstein was found at 6.30am and later pronounced dead, although no time of death was officially recorded. The New York City medical examiner ruled his death a suicide by hanging.
In the statement, Berman said: 'Earlier this morning, the Manhattan Correctional Centre confirmed that Jeffrey Epstein ... had been found unresponsive in his cell and pronounced dead shortly thereafter.' He described the events as 'disturbing' and reaffirmed the commitment to investigating Epstein's crimes and supporting his victims. The Evening Standard has contacted the Department of Justice for comment.
Epstein's death came before his trial on charges of sex trafficking minors and conspiracy. He had previously avoided federal prosecution in 2008 under a controversial plea deal. While the criminal charges against him were terminated upon his death, investigations into potential accomplices continue.
