Report: Jeffrey Epstein wasn't being closely monitored prior to death
While in a protective unit at the Metropolitan Correction Center in Manhattan, financier and alleged sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein was supposed to be checked by two guards every 30 minutes, but that protocol was not followed on Friday night, a law enforcement official told The New York Times.
Epstein, 66, was found dead inside his cell at 6:30 a.m. Saturday morning. Three weeks ago, Epstein was discovered inside his cell semiconscious with bruises around his neck, and was placed on suicide watch. Six days later, after going through daily psychiatric evaluations, the jail determined Epstein was no longer a threat to himself, and he was removed from suicide watch, the Times reports. Epstein was supposed to have a cellmate, three officials told the Times, but that man was recently transferred and Epstein was alone, in violation of the jail's rules.
On Friday, details from a civil suit against Epstein were released, revealing alleged incidents involving Epstein and other men abusing girls. The two guards on duty that night were working overtime, with one working a fifth straight day and the other ordered to come in, the Times reports.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Conspiracy theories are now swirling around Epstein's death, and on Sunday night, New York City's chief medical examiner said an autopsy has been conducted. She would not share her findings, but a city official told the Times she is confident Epstein's cause of death is suicide by hanging. The FBI and Department of Justice are launching investigations into Epstein's death. Attorney General William Barr's father, Donald Barr, hired Epstein to work at The Dalton School in New York City while he was headmaster.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Catherine Garcia has worked as a senior writer at The Week since 2014. Her writing and reporting have appeared in Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, Wirecutter, NBC News and "The Book of Jezebel," among others. She's a graduate of the University of Redlands and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.
-
Mystery boxes: the companies selling lost parcels and suitcases
Under The Radar The 'gamble' on what is inside is 'part of the attraction' for some customers
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
Are climate conspiracy theories undermining disaster response?
Today's Big Question Meteorologists and FEMA workers have come under threat
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
Pentagon grants ousted LGBTQ vets full benefits
Speed Read The new ruling will apply to more than 820 LGBTQ veterans
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Nobody seems surprised Wagner's Prigozhin died under suspicious circumstances
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
Western mountain climbers allegedly left Pakistani porter to die on K2
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
'Circular saw blades' divide controversial Rio Grande buoys installed by Texas governor
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
Los Angeles city workers stage 1-day walkout over labor conditions
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
Mega Millions jackpot climbs to an estimated $1.55 billion
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Bangladesh dealing with worst dengue fever outbreak on record
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Glacial outburst flooding in Juneau destroys homes
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Scotland seeking 'monster hunters' to search for fabled Loch Ness creature
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published