The Bureau of Prisons' July 9, 2019 psychological evaluation judged Jeffrey Epstein a low suicide risk about a month before his death. A later July 24 file, produced after a 31-hour watch, records Epstein denying suicidal intent and led to the watch being removed. Epstein was found dead by apparent hanging at New York's Metropolitan Correctional Center on August 10, 2019, amid reports that required overnight checks were not carried out.
DOJ Records: Prison Psych Evaluation Labeled Jeffrey Epstein 'Low Risk' For Suicide Weeks Before His Death
A Bureau of Prisons psychological evaluation dated July 9, 2019, concluded that convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein posed a low risk for suicide roughly a month before he was found dead in his jail cell.
The evaluation, released by the Department of Justice as part of nearly 30,000 documents produced under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, records that the chief psychologist noted:
"Inmate Epstein adamantly denied any suicidal ideation, intention or plan."
The report says Epstein had been placed on precautionary psychological observation because of "extensive media coverage on the television," but clinicians observed "no need for regular mental health intervention." The assessment also records Epstein's belief that he would be released on bail and states that "a suicide watch is not warranted at this time."
Subsequent Evaluation And Removal Of Watch
A separate file dated July 24 was produced after a 31-hour suicide watch following an alleged attempt the day before. In that document, the psychologist quoted Epstein saying it "would be crazy" to take his own life and adding, "I would not do that to myself." After that evaluation, the psychological watch was removed.
Death And Oversight Concerns
Epstein was found dead at about 6:30 a.m. on August 10, 2019, at New York's Metropolitan Correctional Center. Authorities reported he had hanged himself in his cell. Although officials said he was supposed to be under observation after the earlier incident, correctional officers assigned to perform overnight checks reportedly failed to complete the required rounds.
Broader Document Releases
The Bureau of Prisons records are part of a broader set of disclosures from the Department of Justice. Recent releases also include references to the FBI's reported pursuit of "10 co-conspirators" in connection with Epstein's crimes and records related to President Donald Trump's flights on Epstein's plane.
Note: This article reports on official documents released by the Department of Justice and the Bureau of Prisons. It summarizes those records without drawing conclusions beyond the documents' content.
