A man previously incarcerated alongside Jeffrey Epstein has publicly challenged the official conclusion that the financier died by suicide while in federal custody in 2019.
Mark Shapiro, who was serving time at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York on unrelated fraud charges, recently stated his firm belief that Epstein did not take his own life. Shapiro, who received a presidential pardon in 2020, shared his perspective during a podcast interview, drawing from his firsthand experience of the facility’s strict protocols.
According to Shapiro, the conditions of confinement made such an act highly improbable. Inmates were reportedly confined to their cells for 23 hours each day and were required to be handcuffed whenever they were let out, including for showers. He emphasized the constant supervision by correctional officers, who conducted regular checks.
These assertions echo long-standing skepticism from other quarters. Notably, Michael Franzese, a former figure in organized crime, has also publicly questioned the suicide ruling, citing his own extensive prison experience. He described the reported circumstances as inconsistent with standard prison operations and the physical layout of the cells.
Adding to the controversy, a video purportedly showing the incident was briefly published by the Department of Justice in late 2025 before being removed. The clip’s authenticity was immediately questioned online, with many observers suggesting it was digitally fabricated.
Epstein’s family has consistently rejected the official narrative. His brother has been vocal in demanding a more thorough investigation, accusing authorities of engaging in a cover-up to protect unnamed individuals.
The death of Jeffrey Epstein, who was awaiting trial on serious charges, remains a subject of intense public speculation and unresolved questions.