The US department of justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation concluded that there was no evidence that convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein was murdered, Axios reported on Monday citing a memo. It also said that the investigators found no indication that Epstein blackmailed powerful figures or maintained a “client list”.
The memo noted that no further charges would be filed against others linked to Epstein’s case; his associate Ghislaine Maxwell is already serving a 20-year sentence for child sex trafficking and related crimes.
Confusion around his death
The findings mark the first time Trump’s administration has officially pushed back against conspiracy theories surrounding Jeffrey Epstein’s activities and death, theories that had previously been promoted by the FBI’s top two officials before Trump appointed them to lead the bureau.
As prominent voices in MAGA circles, Kash Patel (now FBI director) and Dan Bongino (now deputy director) were among those who once questioned the official account of Epstein’s death.
Both Patel and Bongino have since said that Epstein died by suicide. Still, belief that Epstein’s crimes implicated powerful figures, and that he was murdered to cover them up, remains widespread online, especially on the right.
Moreover, during Elon Musk's fall out with Trump last month, he accused the US president of being “in the Epstein files.” Trump responded by sharing a statement from former Epstein lawyer David Schoen, who said Trump wasn’t implicated in any crime. Musk later deleted his posts, admitting he “went too far.”
The administration is releasing both raw and enhanced video footage showing no one entered the area of Epstein’s Manhattan prison cell on the night he died in 2019. The footage backs the medical examiner’s conclusion that Epstein’s death was a suicide, according to a two-page memo, according to Axios news report.
"The FBI enhanced the relevant footage by increasing its contrast, balancing the color, and improving its sharpness for greater clarity and viewability," it reported quoting the memo.
Investigators found "no incriminating 'client list' " of Epstein's, "no credible evidence ... that Epstein blackmailed prominent individuals," and no "evidence that could predicate an investigation against uncharged third parties," the memo added.
(This is a top Google Trends topic)
At TOI World Desk, our dedicated team of seasoned journalists and...
Read MoreAt TOI World Desk, our dedicated team of seasoned journalists and passionate writers tirelessly sifts through the vast tapestry of global events to bring you the latest news and diverse perspectives round the clock. With an unwavering commitment to accuracy, depth, and timeliness, we strive to keep you informed about the ever-evolving world, delivering a nuanced understanding of international affairs to our readers. Join us on a journey across continents as we unravel the stories that shape our interconnected world.
Read Less