Jeffrey Epstein explicitly denied that he would ever kill himself just days before he was found dead inside a New York jail cell, according to newly released prison records.
The latest batch of Epstein files includes detailed notes from the Metropolitan Correctional Center showing the disgraced financier repeatedly rejected suicide, citing religious and personal reasons.
“He said he is Jewish and he said in his religion suicide is against the religion,” an August 1 suicide risk assessment from Bureau of Prisons psychology services stated.
The document was released as part of the eighth tranche of Epstein files, shedding new light on the final weeks of his life before his August 10 death.
Epstein was being held ahead of trial on federal sex trafficking charges when he was found hanging in his cell. His death was officially ruled a suicide.
But internal prison notes show Epstein consistently denied suicidal thoughts. “He denied current suicidal or self harm ideation,” one assessment read.
In a July 27 clinical intervention note, Epstein reportedly told prison staff, “I’m a coward,” adding that he did not like pain.
“He stated he does not like pain and even does not like when he has to give blood,” the report said.
Records also addressed a so-called “possible suicide attempt” on July 23 while Epstein was housed in the Special Housing Unit.
According to the notes, Epstein claimed he could not remember the incident and appeared confused by marks found on his neck.
“He stated he is anxious about going back to SHU because he stated he is going back to a place where he had gotten marks on his neck and he does not know why it happened,” the report said.
Psychology staff described Epstein as being in a “neutral mood” with “logical and coherent” speech, noting he was eating normally but complained of dehydration and poor sleep, per the Daily Mail.
The assessment concluded Epstein was “future oriented” and “does not appear to be an immediate danger to self.”
In later consultations, Epstein suggested he “may have something on the Autism spectrum,” referencing the movie Rain Man and his ability with numbers.
He also blamed sleep apnea for memory issues, requesting time with his CPAP machine and asking to remain in a unit he described as “safe.”
Two days before his death, the Bureau of Prisons notes again documented Epstein denying suicidal thoughts. “[Epstein] stated he lives for and plans to finish this case and go back to his normal life,” the assessment said.
On August 8, prison staff wrote that Epstein was “feeling okay” and spending time with his attorneys, with no mental health concerns reported.
Despite these repeated denials, Epstein was found dead on Aug. 10. The circumstances surrounding his death continue to fuel questions as more internal records come to light.
