New Conspiracy Theories Emerge After Release of Epstein Files

Pathologist claims Epstein was strangled, not hanged, as more questions arise around his death

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The release of 3 million files related to the Jeffrey Epstein case was supposed to provide clarity, but instead it has given rise to new conspiracy theories. A pathologist claims Epstein was strangled, not hanged, and questions remain around the circumstances of his death in 2019. The large volume of new information has led to the birth of new theories and the appearance of outright fakes, with some even claiming Epstein is still alive.

Why it matters

The Epstein case has been shrouded in mystery and controversy, with many unanswered questions around his criminal activities and the circumstances of his death. The release of these files was meant to shed light on the case, but instead it has only fueled more speculation and conspiracy theories, raising concerns about transparency and the ability to uncover the full truth.

The details

A pathologist, Dr. Michael Baden, who attended Epstein's autopsy, is now claiming that the pedophile was strangled, not hanged as officially reported. He is calling for a new investigation into the cause of Epstein's death, which occurred in 2019 at the Metropolitan Correctional Center. Epstein's death certificate was issued with a note "Awaiting further investigation of the cause," and the "nature of death" column was left blank, despite three separate neck fractures being found on his body. Additionally, a mysterious orange flash was seen on video footage shortly before the official time of his death, raising further questions.

  • Epstein was found unconscious at the Metropolitan Correctional Center on August 10, 2019.
  • Five days later, on August 14, 2019, acting chief medical examiner Barbara Sampson declared that Epstein had committed suicide.

The players

Dr. Michael Baden

A 91-year-old pathologist who formerly served as the chief medical examiner of New York, and who attended Epstein's autopsy.

Barbara Sampson

The acting chief medical examiner who declared that Epstein had committed suicide, just five days after his death.

Bill Barr

The Attorney General during Trump's first term, who claimed to have personally reviewed the recordings of Epstein's death and saw nothing.

Donald Barr

The father of Bill Barr, who served as director of the prestigious Dalton School in the mid-1970s and hired the young Epstein to teach mathematics and physics.

Zohran Mamdani

The current mayor, whose mother was falsely claimed to have been photographed with Epstein as a baby.

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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)

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.