A U.S. congressman has publicly speculated that Ghislaine Maxwell, the convicted associate of Jeffrey Epstein, would likely be killed if she were ever to leave prison.
Republican Representative Tim Burchett made the comments following Maxwell’s refusal to testify during a virtual deposition before the House Oversight Committee. In an interview, Burchett suggested a grim parallel, stating that upon any potential early release, she might secure a lucrative book deal only to later be found dead in a manner staged to look like suicide.
“This place has a way of burying its secrets,” Burchett remarked, echoing sentiments he has expressed before regarding the powerful figures involved in the Epstein case. He reiterated his longstanding disbelief in the official ruling that Epstein died by suicide in his jail cell in 2019.
These statements coincide with the recent release of a declassified FBI report containing graphic images from the scene of Epstein’s death. The documents note that despite being placed on suicide watch weeks prior, Epstein had told a prison psychologist he had no intention of taking his own life because he was deeply invested in fighting the charges against him. The report also reveals Epstein had accused his former cellmate of threatening him, though that inmate was transferred out of the facility the day before Epstein was found.
During the congressional deposition, Maxwell exercised her right to remain silent. Her legal counsel indicated she would only agree to answer questions if granted clemency. Committee leadership expressed frustration, stating a desire to uncover the full truth for the public and achieve justice for the victims.
Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year federal sentence for her role in the crimes committed with Epstein.