A forensic pathologist has claimed evidence from Jeffrey Epstein’s autopsy suggests the disgraced financier may have died by homicide, not suicide, the New York Times reported.
Dr. Michael Baden, the private pathologist hired by Epstein’s brother, announced his findings on Fox & Friends Wednesday morning, saying that Epstein’s autopsy revealed evidence of a number of injuries that “are extremely unusual in suicidal hangings and could occur much more commonly in homicidal strangulation.”
Baden pointed to “three fractures in the hyoid bone, the thyroid cartilage,” which he said were “very unusual for suicide and more indicative of strangulation — homicidal strangulation.”
Baden’s findings dispute the official cause of death declared by New York chief medical examiner, Dr. Barbara Sampson, who ruled Epstein’s August death a suicide.
“I stand firmly behind our determination of the cause and manner of death in this case,” Sampson said, adding, “In general, fractures of the hyoid bone and the cartilage can be seen in suicides and homicides.”
Prior to the official ruling, a Washington Post article noted the broken hyoid bone as a potential indication of strangulation, fueling ongoing conspiracy theories that hold Epstein may have been murdered in an attempt to protect his network of high-profile elites.
At the time, medical officials cautioned against relying on the broken hyoid as proof of strangulation, with forensic anthropologist Marcella Sorg noting that the injury is “a sign of neck trauma” that can occur in both strangulation and hanging cases.
Sampson also disputed claims that circumstances surrounding Epstein’s death suggested another person had been involved, saying her office had done a “complete investigation” and cautioning that “no one finding can be taken in isolation.”
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