Epstein Autopsy Doctor Hesitant to Declare Death a Suicide

Transcript reveals new details about the autopsy and decision to rule Epstein's death as self-inflicted

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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A newly released transcript reveals new details about the autopsy conducted after Jeffrey Epstein's death and the decision to declare he had killed himself. The convicted sex offender was found dead in his Manhattan jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. The autopsy was conducted by Kristin Roman of the New York City medical examiner's office, who initially did not check the boxes for 'homicide' or 'suicide' on Epstein's death certificate, instead marking it as 'pending studies'. Roman's boss, Barbara Sampson, later ruled Epstein's death a suicide, but Roman said she was hesitant to do so at first due to the high-profile nature of the case.

Why it matters

Epstein's death has fueled conspiracy theories for years, with some believing he was murdered rather than dying by suicide. Roman's initial hesitation to declare the death a suicide, combined with the findings of forensic pathologist Michael Baden who believed Epstein died by homicide, have contributed to the ongoing speculation and debate around the circumstances of Epstein's demise.

The details

According to the newly released transcript, Roman told investigators that she was 'being thorough' by waiting to formally declare Epstein's death a suicide. She said fractures to Epstein's hyoid bone and thyroid cartilage were consistent with hanging, but Baden disagreed, stating he had never seen three such fractures in a suicidal hanging. Roman also said she was 'not as convinced as I would like to be' about which noose caused Epstein's death, though she said that did not affect her ultimate conclusion.

  • Jeffrey Epstein was found dead in his Manhattan jail cell on August 10, 2019.
  • Roman conducted the autopsy the following day on August 11, 2019.
  • Sampson, the chief medical examiner, ruled Epstein's death a suicide five days later on August 16, 2019.

The players

Kristin Roman

A medical examiner with the New York City medical examiner's office who conducted the autopsy on Jeffrey Epstein's body.

Barbara Sampson

The chief medical examiner of New York City who ultimately ruled Epstein's death a suicide.

Michael Baden

A forensic pathologist hired as an observer by Epstein's estate and brother, who believed Epstein died by homicide.

Mark Epstein

Jeffrey Epstein's brother, who still doubts the conclusion that his brother died by suicide and believes he was murdered.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Kristin Roman, Medical Examiner (Department of Justice)

“That doesn't mean it can never happen, but it sure as hell is very rare if it happens.”

— Michael Baden, Forensic Pathologist (Business Insider)

“They're either lying, they're incompetent, or they're wrong.”

— Mark Epstein (Business Insider)

The takeaway

The ongoing debate and speculation around Epstein's death highlights the challenges of high-profile cases, where even medical examiners may be hesitant to make definitive rulings due to intense public scrutiny and pressure. The transcript reveals the complexities involved in determining the cause of death, especially when expert opinions differ.