Autopsy Doctor Reveals Reasons Behind Epstein's Death Ruling
Dr. Kristin Roman, the medical examiner who conducted Jeffrey Epstein’s autopsy, has disclosed her reasons for not immediately classifying his death as a suicide, as revealed in recently released documents.
Epstein was discovered lifeless in his New York City jail cell on August 10, 2019, shortly after being arrested on serious sex trafficking charges. While officials quickly ruled his death a suicide, doubts have lingered among those close to him, including Ghislaine Maxwell and his brother, Mark Epstein, who suspect foul play.
Documents made public this year under the Epstein Files Transparency Act provide insight into Roman's initial reluctance to label the death a suicide. Instead of marking “homicide” or “suicide” on the death certificate, she opted for “pending studies,” according to reports.
Dr. Barbara Sampson, then New York City’s chief medical examiner, later concluded that Epstein died by suicide. However, Roman expressed to investigators that her caution stemmed from a desire to be thorough. “If he had been a less high-profile person who there weren't people wanting to kill, I would have probably called it a hanging on the day of autopsy,” she stated in a May 2022 interview.
Roman sought to interview the officer who discovered Epstein’s body and inspect the jail cell before finalizing her determination. Although she was denied access to speak with correctional officers or view the cell directly, she did receive photographs of the scene.
Despite these limitations, Roman maintained that they did not significantly influence her conclusion regarding suicide: "It would have been more for completeness rather than a big factor in making the determination.”
Seven years post-Epstein’s death, speculation about murder continues. Dr. Michael Baden, a forensic pathologist engaged by Epstein’s family, insists that homicide is a plausible explanation for his death.
In response to Baden’s assertions in October 2019, Sampson reaffirmed her confidence in the official ruling of suicide. Baden and Epstein’s brother remain convinced of foul play after reviewing Roman’s statements, with Baden pointing to three fractures in Epstein’s neck as indicative of strangulation.
These revelations come amid renewed interest in the Epstein case, particularly following Maxwell’s recent comments to the Justice Department where she expressed disbelief that Epstein died by suicide. “I do not believe he died by suicide, no,” she stated during a July 2025 interview.
When pressed about potential suspects in Epstein's death, Maxwell replied, “No, I don't.”
The Epstein saga continues to captivate public attention, especially after Trump indicated he would release more information during his campaign. Following initial reluctance to disclose further details upon returning to office, Trump has since authorized the release of millions of documents related to the investigation into Epstein’s activities under the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
This extensive collection includes thousands of emails, documents, photos, and videos referencing numerous high-profile individuals, including Donald Trump himself, who has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
It is important to note that appearing in the Epstein files does not imply any legal culpability on Trump’s part; he has not been formally accused of any crime connected to the Epstein investigation.
If you or someone you know is in need of mental health support, please reach out by calling or texting 988 or visiting 988lifeline.org for online chat services from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This confidential crisis hotline is available 24/7.
In the UK, individuals can contact Samaritans at 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit their website for local branch information. For those in other countries, visit www.befrienders.org to find a helpline nearby.
