Jeffrey Epstein’s autopsy reveals multiple fractures in his neck bones

The autopsy for American multi-millionaire Jeffrey Epstein accused underage sex-trafficking, who apparently hanged himself while in prison custody shows multiple fractures in his neck bones, several US news outlets are reporting.

The breaks include a bone near the Adam’s apple, according to the Washington Post. The paper, citing two people familiar with the report’s finding, said Epstein sustained multiple breaks in his neck bones, including his hyoid bone — a horseshoe-shaped bone which in men is located near the Adam’s apple.

“Such breaks can occur in those who hang themselves, particularly if they are older, according to forensic experts and studies on the subject,” the Post reports. “But they are more common in victims of homicide by strangulation.”

Authorities have deferred stating the cause of death until further investigation is carried out, as “no single factor in an autopsy can alone provide a conclusive answer about what happened,” reports the Washington Post, who paraphrased Barbara Sampson, the medical officer that completed the autopsy. The cause of Jeffrey Epstein’s death is listed as pending.

Epstein was accused of horrific sex crimes against underage women and was being held in a prison at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in Manhattan, New York City. His body was discovered on Saturday.

This appears to have been his second attempt at taking his life. He was found unresponsive in his cell last month, and it appeared to be a suicide attempt.

Two prison guards have been suspended and a warden has been reassigned as a result of major lapses in protocol at the correctional facility. The guards were asleep and did not check on Epstein for several hours, during which he killed himself. The guards also tried to cover up the lapses.

The dead financier is reportedly friends with many high profile individuals including the US president, Donald Trump. He also once fraternise with Queen Elizabeth’s second son, Prince Andres, who was accused of groping an underage girl during his time with Epstein.

In 2008, Epstein cut a controversial secret plea deal with prosecutors in Florida for similar charges. The deal saw him avoid a jail term. As part of the deal, Epstein pleaded guilty to two counts related to solicitation of a minor for sex. A Miami Herald exposé published in November raised new questions about the case, including why the deal was kept a secret from Epstein’s accusers until after it was signed.