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Jeffrey Epstein: FBI deputy director's verdict on cause of death after case review, ‘I'm not asking you to believe me…’

FBI deputy director Dan Bongino has given his verdict on Jeffrey Epstein’s cause of death years after the predator died in his jail cell. 

Published on: May 19, 2025, 06:14:26 IST
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FBI deputy director has given his verdict on Jeffrey Epstein’s cause of death, saying the sex predator died by suicide in 2019. Dan Bongino said there is no evidence to suggest that Epstein may have died in any other way.

FBI deputy director's verdict on Jeffrey Epstein's cause of death after case review (New York State Sex Offender Registry via AP, File)
FBI deputy director's verdict on Jeffrey Epstein's cause of death after case review (New York State Sex Offender Registry via AP, File)

Bongino said in an X post that he was asked about certain details about the Epstein case during a recent interview. “I have reviewed the case,” he wrote. “Jeffrey Epstein killed himself. There’s no evidence in the case file indicating otherwise. I’m not asking you to believe me, or not. I’m telling you what exists, and what doesn’t. If new evidence surfaces I’m happy to reevaluate.”

What did FBI director Kash Patel say?

Epstein’s death fuelled various conspiracy theories, with many claiming he may have been murdered. During a Senate hearing this month, FBI director Kash Patel stressed that he believed Epstein’s death was nothing more than a suicide, as reported by the New York Post.“Listen, they have a right to their opinion,” Patel told Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures about sceptics’ beliefs. “As someone who has worked as a public defender, as a prosecutor, who’s been in that prison system, who’s been in the Metropolitan Detention Center, who’s been in segregated housing, you know a suicide when you see one, and that’s what that was.”

During a joint interview with Maria Bartiromo, Bongino agreed with Patel. “He killed himself,” Bongino said. “I have seen the whole file. He killed himself.”

Epstein was found dead just over a month after he was arrested, with bedsheets around his neck. He was found dead in his jail cell on August 10, 2019.

Epstein’s death was initially ruled a suicide, but his family later hired forensic pathologist Michael Baden, who said that a homicide was far more likely than a suicide, based on evidence. Baden pointed out how there were specific fractures in Epstein’s thyroid cartilage and hyoid bone, noting that these were more likely the result of strangulation. However, over the years, many experts have expressed their doubt on this assessment.

Dr. Barbara Sampson, New York City’s chief medical examiner from 2013 to 2021, who did the original autopsy on Epstein, said at the time, “I stand firmly behind our determination of the cause and manner of death for Mr. Epstein. The cause is hanging, the manner is suicide.”

Discussing suicides can be triggering for some. However, suicides are preventable. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

  • Sumanti Sen
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Sumanti Sen

    Sumanti Sen covers everything that’s happening in the US, from politics to entertainment, but her expertise lies in covering crime news. She has comprehensively chronicled the Idaho student murders, the Laken Riley and Iryna Zarutska cases, and the killing of Charlie Kirk, among other incidents. Over the years, she has interviewed several victims/families of victims of crimes seeking justice. She digs up stories that might otherwise remain unheard, and does her bit to ensure that victims and survivors’ voices are heard. Sumanti’s many years of experience also include interviews with Hamas attack survivors and mental health experts, among others. Her coverage of the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel and interviews with survivors of the tragedy, coupled with her other works including the Titan submersible coverage, earned her the Digi Journo of the Quarter award during her first year at Hindustan Times. Sumanti actively tracks missing person cases in the United States, and peruses Reddit and other social media platforms to bring to light cases that frequently elude public attention. She has extensively covered the disappearances of Nancy Guthrie, Thomas Medlin, Beau Mann, and Sudiksha Konanki, among others. When not at work, you will either find her with her novels, or with her beloved rescue pooches.Read More

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