- Jeffrey Epstein has reportedly died by committing suicide in his Manhattan jail early Saturday morning, ABC News reported.
- ABC News cited three law enforcement officials who told them Epstein had died from the suicide attempt, months after he was hospitalized in July by authorities who found him after a possible suicide attempt.
- He was awaiting trial on sex trafficking and conspiracy charges.
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Jeffrey Epstein has reportedly died by committing suicide in his Manhattan jail early Saturday morning, ABC News reported.
ABC News cited three law enforcement officials who told them Epstein had died from the suicide attempt, shortly after he was hospitalized in July by authorities who found him after a possible suicide attempt.
Reports said Epstein was placed on suicide watch after the July incident. The exact time and details of his reported death were not immediately clear.
Epstein was being held without bail at Manhattan's Metropolitan Correctional Center while awaiting trial on charges of conspiracy and sex trafficking.
US District Judge Richard Berman announced in court on July 18 that he decided against wealthy financier Jeffrey Epstein's bail request, saying Epstein posed a flight risk as well as a public safety risk, and that there was a potential risk of obstruction of justice.
In his decision, Berman said that Epstein was a danger to himself and others and therefore should not be released. "I find that the government has established danger to others and to the community by clear and convincing evidence,"he said, noting that "I doubt that any bail package can overcome danger to the community."
Epstein's July 6 arrest was based on new charges that alleged Epstein ran a sex-trafficking ring involving girls as young as 14, systematically molesting dozens of underage girls by paying them for "massages" that rapidly devolved into sexual abuse.
The financier previously fielded allegations of sexual assault for years while keeping a shroud of mystery over his business ventures and high-profile network of friends.
Since the arrest, unsealed documents related to the investigation into charges alleging Epstein's revealed how the financier's network of employees facilitated his alleged sex trafficking and his close ties to high-profile figures in politics, business, and British royalty.
He was first investigated by the Palm Beach Police Department in 2005. In 2007, he cut a secret non-prosecution agreement with then-US Attorney Alex Acosta, who is now President Donald Trump's secretary of labor.
The deal granted Epstein immunity from federal prosecution, and Epstein pleaded guilty only to two state charges: solicitation of prostitution and procurement of minors for prostitution.
Epstein ultimately served just a 13-month jail sentence but held an arrangement that said he was allowed to leave jail six days a week to work out of his Palm Beach office, according to The New York Times.
If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or has had thoughts of harming themselves or taking their own life, get help. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) provides 24/7, free, confidential support for people in distress, as well as best practices for professionals and resources to aid in prevention and crisis situations.
This story is developing. Check back for updates.