The US Department of Justice has released new files linked to Jeffrey Epstein’s death, including graphic post mortem photos and internal prison records. The documents became public on Friday as part of a large declassification effort.
Among the files are 20 previously unseen images that show Epstein lying on a stretcher while medical staff attempt to revive him. Many of these images are too distressing to publish.
Epstein died on 10 August 2019 while in custody at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York. He was awaiting trial on sex trafficking and conspiracy charges.
FBI Report Sheds New Light on Death Investigation
The newly released FBI document is titled Jeffrey Epstein Death Investigation. The New York field office prepared the 23 page report, which carries an unclassified stamp on every page.
BBC Verify reviewed the unredacted version. It includes close up images of Epstein’s neck that show visible injuries. The file also contains details from his post mortem and a psychology report covering his mental state shortly before his death.
Several photos show medics performing emergency care. The images carry a timestamp of 06:49 local time, about 16 minutes after staff found Epstein unresponsive in his cell.
Hospital Images and Documentation Errors
Other photos appear to have been taken at a hospital. These images show injuries to Epstein’s head and neck. His name appears on every photo, but some spell it incorrectly as Jeffery.
Epstein arrived at a nearby hospital at 06:39 and doctors later pronounced him dead. The documents suggest the photos were taken shortly after his arrival.
Mental Health Reports Contradict Suicide Claims
The FBI file includes a psychology report from days before Epstein’s death. In a session with a prison psychologist, Epstein said he had no interest in killing himself.
He reportedly described suicide as crazy and said he wanted to fight his case. On 25 July, he told staff he had a future and wanted to return to normal life.
Prison Failures Revealed in Internal Records
Internal prison documents show serious lapses in procedure. The prison warden advised staff not to house Epstein alone. Officials also stressed the need for 30 minute cell checks and surprise rounds.
Despite this, guards failed to carry out checks scheduled for 03:00 and 05:00 on the night before his death. The camera system in the unit was also not working.
Epstein’s cellmate left the facility the day before he died. Staff found his body during a routine morning check.
Confusion Over Redacted and Unredacted Files
The Justice Department also released a second version of the FBI report. This copy runs only 17 pages and removes images, timelines, and psychology records.
Officials have not explained why both versions appeared in the same release.
