A physician who observed Jeffrey Epstein’s autopsy says recently disclosed information reinforces his longstanding position that the official suicide ruling should be reexamined.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
A forensic pathologist who attended Jeffrey Epstein’s post-mortem examination is calling for authorities to reopen the investigation into the circumstances of the financier’s death, citing newly released material he says raises unresolved questions. Dr. Michael Baden, a former New York City chief medical examiner, reiterated his position in a recent report that he believes further scrutiny is warranted.
According to the New York Post, Baden has urged a fresh review of the evidence. In a separate interview published by the Telegraph, he reaffirmed his earlier assessment of the autopsy findings.
“That was my opinion at that time, and I still stand by it,” Baden told the publication.
“The autopsy findings are much more consistent with a crushing injury caused by homicidal strangulation than caused by hanging by suicide,” he added.
Baden said he was present at the autopsy at the request of Epstein’s brother, Mark Epstein, who has publicly maintained that his brother was killed. He stated that documentation initially listed the cause of death as pending before it was officially classified as suicide several days later. Baden said that sequence suggested additional information was being considered.
“Given all the information now available, further investigation into the cause and manner of death is warranted,” Baden said.
The report noted that Baden and then-Chief Medical Examiner Barbara Sampson initially agreed that the findings were inconclusive and that additional information would be needed before determining the cause and manner of death. Five days later, the office ruled the death a suicide by hanging.
Baden pointed specifically to three fractures identified in Epstein’s neck. He said such injuries were unusual in his experience and merited closer examination.
“Even one fracture, we have to investigate the possibility of a homicide. Two definitely warrant a full investigation,” he told the Telegraph. “Findings in textbooks never see those fractures, and neither have I.”
In addition to the medical findings, Baden referenced activity at the Metropolitan Correctional Center on the night of Epstein’s death, including surveillance footage described as showing an inmate moving toward Epstein’s cell. He said those circumstances should also be reviewed in any renewed inquiry.
Barbara Sampson has repeatedly rejected assertions that the death was a homicide and has defended the office’s conclusion that Epstein died by suicide. That determination has been accepted by the Trump administration.
Epstein was found unresponsive in his cell while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges. The renewed comments from Baden add to ongoing public debate over the official findings and whether further independent review should take place.
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