Pathologist Demands New Epstein Death Investigation

Dr. Michael Baden, who witnessed the autopsy, says evidence points to homicide, not suicide.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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A renowned pathologist who was present at Jeffrey Epstein's autopsy in 2019 is demanding a fresh investigation into the disgraced financier's death, insisting newly released information confirms his belief that Epstein was murdered rather than dying by suicide. Dr. Michael Baden, who was New York City's chief medical examiner in the 1970s, says the autopsy findings are "much more consistent with a crushing injury caused by homicidal strangulation than caused by hanging by suicide."

Why it matters

Epstein's death in 2019 was ruled a suicide by hanging, but the circumstances surrounding his demise have long been shrouded in controversy and conspiracy theories. Baden's renewed calls for an investigation could reignite the debate over what really happened and put pressure on authorities to take a closer look at the evidence.

The details

Baden, who was brought in to observe the autopsy at the request of Epstein's brother, says he and the then-chief medical examiner initially agreed the results were inconclusive and more information was needed. However, he was shocked when the medical examiner declared Epstein's death a suicide by hanging just five days later. Baden points to three fractures in Epstein's neck, which he says he has never witnessed in a hanging suicide in his decades-long career, as evidence that a homicide may have occurred. He also says the injuries were not consistent with a noose made from a bedsheet, as officials claimed.

  • Epstein was found dead in his cell at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in August 2019.
  • The autopsy was performed in August 2019 with Baden present as a witness.
  • The medical examiner initially ruled Epstein's death as 'pending' in August 2019.
  • Five days later, in August 2019, the medical examiner declared Epstein's death a suicide by hanging.

The players

Dr. Michael Baden

A renowned pathologist who was New York City's chief medical examiner in the 1970s and was present as a witness during the autopsy of Jeffrey Epstein in 2019.

Barbara Sampson

The chief medical examiner at the time of Epstein's death in 2019 who ultimately ruled the death a suicide by hanging.

Mark Epstein

Jeffrey Epstein's brother, who requested that Baden be present as a witness during the autopsy.

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What they’re saying

“Given all the information now available, further investigation into the cause and manner of death is warranted.”

— Dr. Michael Baden, Pathologist (The Telegraph)

“The autopsy findings are much more consistent with a crushing injury caused by homicidal strangulation than caused by hanging by suicide.”

— Dr. Michael Baden, Pathologist (The Telegraph)

What’s next

A panel of six senior forensic pathologists prepared an exclusive report in 2024 for The Post, re-examining the full autopsy, crime scene pictures and all available information at the time. Four of the six panel members classified it as suicide, while two found it impossible to give a definitive ruling.

The takeaway

Epstein's death has been shrouded in controversy since the beginning, with questions remaining about the circumstances surrounding his demise. Dr. Baden's renewed calls for an investigation could put pressure on authorities to take a closer look at the evidence and determine once and for all whether Epstein's death was a suicide or a homicide.