Jeffrey Epstein Suicide: Attorney General William Barr ‘Appalled,’ Launches Investigation

Following reports Saturday that accused sex trafficker and pedophile Jeffrey Epstein had committed suicide in his New York prison cell, U.S. Attorney General William Barr has issued public comments.

“I was appalled to learn that Jeffrey Epstein was found dead early this morning from an apparent suicide while in federal custody. Mr. Epstein's death raises serious questions that must be answered,” Barr said in a statement. “In addition to the FBI's investigation, I have consulted with the Inspector General who is opening an investigation into the circumstances of Mr. Epstein's death.”

Sources close to the situation told CNN that Barr is “livid” about Epstein’s death and “is determined to get to the bottom of what happened.” A federal official told the outlet that foul play is not suspected. The Southern District of New York’s investigation into Epstein remains ongoing.

The Federal Bureau of Prison reported that Epstein was found unresponsive in his cell around 6:30 a.m. ET.

Epstein, 66, is believed to have committed suicide.

The former financier had previously been found in the fetal position following what was believed to be an attempt to hang himself last month. This earlier attempt followed the receipt of damning documents from a new case. Despite reports at the time saying that Epstein would be put on suicide watch, it has now been reported that he was not under watch prior to his most recent successful attempt.

Epstein’s death follows the release of yet more documents outlining the extent of his crimes.

Documents from a 2015 defamation case were unsealed Friday, revealing accusations that Epstein and his alleged trafficking assistant Ghislaine Maxwell instructed an underage girl to have sex with former New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson. former Sen. George Mitchell, Harvard Law professor Alan Dershowitz, and others.