CBS News has reviewed surveillance footage from the night Jeffrey Epstein was found dead in a Manhattan jail.
The network’s findings suggest the video raises questions about the official government account.
Epstein, who was facing federal sex trafficking charges, was discovered unresponsive in his cell in 2019. His death was ruled a suicide, a conclusion that has remained controversial due to his ties to prominent figures such as Donald Trump, Bill Clinton, and Prince Andrew.
According to CBS, its analysis of the video did not uncover any evidence pointing to a cause of death other than suicide. However, the review indicated that certain elements of the government’s investigation are not fully supported by the footage.
Experts told CBS that the video released by the Justice Department does not appear to be an untouched original recording. A visible cursor and on-screen menu suggest the footage is a screen capture rather than raw video.
The inspector general’s report stated that surveillance cameras in the facility would have recorded anyone approaching or leaving Epstein’s area.
CBS found this claim to be inconsistent with what the cameras actually captured. The camera angle shows the stairway to Epstein’s floor almost entirely out of frame, and the entrance to his cell is not visible.
One detail drawing particular attention is the presence of an orange shape moving up the stairs the night Epstein died. The inspector general’s review identified this as a correctional officer carrying linens or inmate clothing.
However, forensic video expert and retired NYPD sergeant Conor McCourt told CBS, “Based on the limited video, it’s more likely it’s a person in an [orange] uniform.”
Further irregularities were noted in the footage. Just before midnight, the recording skips ahead by one minute, and the aspect ratio changes. Minutes later, an unidentified person is seen walking through the unit.
Both the FBI and the Bureau of Prisons declined to comment on the CBS review.
However, the inspector general’s office did respond, stating, “The OIG appreciates the careful review of our report. Our comprehensive assessment of the circumstances over the weeks, days, and hours before Epstein’s death included the effects of the longstanding, chronic staffing crisis in the BOP and the BOP’s failure to provide and maintain quality camera coverage within its facilities. As CBS notes, nothing in its analysis changed or modified the OIG’s conclusions or recommendations.”
