Freshly disclosed prison records have cast a stark new light on the final days of Jeffrey Epstein, revealing the convicted sex trafficker repeatedly denied any intention of taking his own life shortly before he was found dead in his cell.
Denials and Religious Convictions
According to the latest batch of documents released from the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York, Epstein was adamant that suicide was not an option for him. In a suicide risk assessment dated August 1, 2019, he told Bureau of Prisons psychology staff that "he is Jewish and he said in his religion suicide is against the religion."
Other notes from his custody stated Epstein "denied current suicidal or self harm ideation." He was quoted on July 27 as saying, "I'm a coward," and added that he "does not like pain and even does not like when he has to give blood."
The Mysterious July 'Incident'
The files provide new, albeit unclear, details about a "possible suicide attempt" in the early hours of July 23, 2019. A memorandum from that day states Epstein was found in his cell in his t-shirt and boxers, breathing heavily and snoring.
He was subsequently placed in a suicide smock and on watch. When questioned, Epstein claimed he had no memory of the event, saying he only recalled getting up for water and then waking with staff in his cell. He later suggested his memory might be impaired due to sleep apnea.
Medical records from the incident noted treatment for a "circular line of erythema at the base of his neck" and marks of friction.
A 'Future Oriented' Outlook Before the End
In the days leading to his death, prison psychologists described Epstein as being in a "neutral mood" with "logical and coherent" speech. An assessment concluded he was "future oriented" and "does not appear to be an immediate danger to self."
On August 8, just two days before he died, notes stated Epstein was "feeling okay" and again denied any suicidal thoughts, intention, or plan. He was spending time with his lawyers and his only complaints were about prison conditions.
Despite these assurances, Jeffrey Epstein was found hanging in his cell on August 10, 2019. His death was officially ruled a suicide, creating a lasting controversy fuelled by documents like these, which highlight the stark contradiction between his stated convictions and his final fate.
