Epstein Autopsy Doctor Explains Hesitation to Call Death 'Suicide'

Forensic pathologist cites neck fractures, missing prison cell details in initial uncertainty over cause of death

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The forensic pathologist who examined Jeffrey Epstein's body after his death in a New York prison has explained why she initially did not rule his death a suicide. Dr. Kristin Roman said she delayed making a final decision because the high-profile case lacked full information about what happened in Epstein's prison cell, and she pointed to fractures in his neck that raised questions about the cause of death.

Why it matters

Epstein's death in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges sparked widespread conspiracy theories, as critics questioned why the cause of death was not immediately confirmed. Roman's testimony sheds light on the medical examiner's process and the challenges of determining the cause of death in a sensitive, high-profile case.

The details

Roman, a medical examiner with New York City's Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, conducted Epstein's autopsy the day after his death. She said she initially left the cause of death unresolved, citing fractures in Epstein's neck and a lack of access to his prison cell and the correctional officer who found his body. Roman eventually concluded the death was a suicide by hanging, but she acknowledged uncertainties around the noose used. Epstein's brother, Mark Epstein, continues to believe the death was not a suicide.

  • Epstein was found dead in his cell at Manhattan Correctional Center on August 10, 2019.
  • The next day, on August 11, 2019, Roman conducted the autopsy on Epstein's body.

The players

Kristin Roman

A forensic pathologist with New York City's Office of the Chief Medical Examiner who conducted the autopsy on Jeffrey Epstein's body.

Michael Baden

A forensic pathologist hired by Epstein's brother, Mark Epstein, who was present during the autopsy and argued that Epstein's injuries pointed to homicide rather than suicide.

Mark Epstein

Jeffrey Epstein's brother, who continues to believe his brother's death was not a suicide.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.