Alan Dershowitz, the former lawyer of convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, has raised questions surrounding Epstein's death in a federal prison cell, suggesting that prison guards may have played a part in the billionaire's demise, according to the tabloid National Enquirer. Although Epstein's death in August 2019 was officially ruled a suicide, medical experts, family members, and investigators maintain that he was murdered while facing blackmail allegations.
Dershowitz responded to the question of whether Epstein's death was a suicide, stating, "No, of course not. He didn’t kill himself without the help of some people. He did kill himself, but he killed himself with the help of guards." While the attorney did not elaborate on whether he believes the guards tied the noose around Epstein's neck, his statement fuels speculation about the controversial circumstances of the death.
In 2008, Dershowitz played a crucial role in the plea deal that allowed Epstein to spend his days in his Palm Beach mansion and nights in a county jail after admitting to having sex with a 14-year-old. This deal has since garnered significant scrutiny.
Epstein's brother, Mark, and independent medical examiner Dr. Michael Baden have supported claims that a broken bone in Epstein's neck is inconsistent with suicide, suggesting that one or more individuals may have been involved in his death.
According to previous reports, Epstein was connected to numerous high-profile figures, including former presidents Bill Clinton and Donald Trump, Britain's Prince Andrew, and Microsoft billionaire Bill Gates. All have denied any knowledge of Epstein's illegal activities or involvement in them.
The official investigation into Epstein's death, authorized by Trump's U.S. Attorney General Bill Barr, remains unreleased, fueling concerns that Epstein may have been murdered in prison due to his knowledge of the illicit activities of powerful individuals.
In the days leading up to his death, Epstein allegedly attempted suicide, yet he was subsequently moved to a cell without a roommate. On the night of his death, video cameras in the cell hallway were switched off, and guards reportedly failed to check on him every half hour as required by prison protocol.
Dershowitz, who later represented Trump in his impeachments, expressed suspicion about the involvement of prison officials in Epstein's death. "He didn’t do it by himself. Obviously the videos were turned off and the guards turned their back. So I think he killed himself. But he killed himself with the help of some people in law enforcement," he said.
The Unraveling of a Disturbing Alliance: How Jeffrey Epstein Ensnared Legal Star Alan Dershowitz
Celebrity defense attorney Alan Dershowitz has a long history of representing controversial figures, including Michael Milken, O.J. Simpson, and Claus von Bülow. However, one of his most notorious clients was the convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein. The two first met in 1996 at an upscale party on Martha's Vineyard, where Dershowitz found his fellow Brooklyn native to be "brilliant." Dershowitz recalls that Epstein was "feisty, he was utterly politically incorrect...he was interesting to be with."
The connection between the two strengthened after Epstein established an office near Harvard University, where Dershowitz served as a law school professor. The lawyer found Epstein's "quirky mind" intriguing, and the friendship grew as Dershowitz entrusted Epstein with reviewing drafts of his books and managing his investments. He also spent time as a guest at Epstein's properties and occasionally accompanied the financier on his private plane, known as the Lolita Express. Dershowitz maintains that these trips were family-oriented, including a visit to Epstein's Palm Beach estate to watch his granddaughter participate in a soccer tournament.
In 2005, when Epstein faced investigation for sexually abusing underage girls, Dershowitz infamously helped him secure a lenient plea deal. However, as the full extent of Epstein's heinous crimes later emerged, Dershowitz began to distance himself from his former friend, claiming he never witnessed any of Epstein's criminal behavior.
Dershowitz now characterizes Epstein as merely an "acquaintance" and expresses regret for taking on the case. "In retrospect, I wish I hadn't taken the case, but I didn't see a problem with taking the case. We didn't have a close, personal relationship," he says. This reevaluation of their connection raises questions about the complex web of relationships Epstein forged and the influence he wielded over those around him.