Dershowitz Suggests Epstein May Have Had Help in Jail Suicide—but Denies Outside Involvement

Former attorney urges release of sealed names, backs government’s “no client list” claim

Epstein Likely Had Help, Lawyer Claims

Jeffrey Epstein’s former lawyer, Alan Dershowitz, says the disgraced financier may have received help from jail staff in carrying out his 2019 suicide—but insists no one else was directly responsible for his death.

In a new op-ed published by The Wall Street Journal, Dershowitz wrote, “It is clear from the evidence that Epstein committed suicide. What isn’t clear is whether he was assisted by jail personnel. That seems likely to me, based on the evidence of allegedly broken cameras, transfer of his cellmate, and the absence of guards during relevant time periods.”

Suicide Confirmed, but Questions Linger

Epstein’s death while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges has long been the subject of widespread speculation and conspiracy theories. Many critics, including his brother and independent pathologist Dr. Michael Baden, have cast doubt on the official finding of suicide, pointing to missing security footage and other irregularities at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York.

Earlier this month, the FBI and U.S. Department of Justice issued a memo reaffirming that Epstein died by suicide and concluded there was no “incriminating client list” or new investigative files to be released.

“Client List” Denied—But Redacted Names Exist

In his op-ed, Dershowitz backed the federal claim that Epstein never created a so-called “client list.” However, he noted that several individuals had been identified by Epstein’s accusers during FBI interviews, though those names remain redacted and under court seal.

“I know who they are,” Dershowitz said. “They don’t include any current officeholders. We don’t know whether the accusations are true. The courts have also sealed negative information about some of the accusers to protect them.”

Call for Media to Press for Transparency

Dershowitz argued that while neither prosecutors nor defense attorneys can release the sealed names, federal judges have the authority to do so. He encouraged journalists to push for more transparency.

“The media can and should petition the courts for the release of all names and information, so the public can draw its own conclusions,” he wrote.

Maxwell Remains the Only Convicted Co-Conspirator

To date, the only individual convicted in connection with Epstein’s trafficking ring is Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s former confidante and partner. Maxwell, 63, is serving a 20-year federal prison sentence in Tallahassee and is currently appealing her conviction.

Despite ongoing public pressure, no other individuals have been charged in connection with Epstein’s crimes, and many case files remain sealed.