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HomeNewsDOJ Confirms Unidentified 'Orange Shape' in Epstein Death Investigation

DOJ Confirms Unidentified ‘Orange Shape’ in Epstein Death Investigation

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Jeffrey Epstein’s death on August 9, 2019, remains a stark symbol of institutional corruption. The official narrative of suicide crumbles under the weight of relentless inconsistencies.

In a startling revelation, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has acknowledged a peculiar detail that has reignited interest in the mysterious death of Jeffrey Epstein. On the night Epstein died, surveillance footage captured an “orange-colored shape” moving up a staircase towards his cell. This admission raises more questions than it answers and challenges the public’s trust in federal institutions, suggesting a potential cover-up that undermines the foundational principles of justice.

This image from the video — zoomed in and highlighted by CBS News – shows a partial view of something orange on the stairs leading to Jeffrey Epstein's cell tier.
This image from the video — zoomed in and highlighted by CBS News – shows a partial view of something orange on the stairs leading to Jeffrey Epstein’s cell tier.

The Unanswered Questions: Suicide, Murder, or Escape?

The circumstances surrounding Epstein’s death have been a subject of controversy from the beginning, with the public divided over what truly happened. Predominantly, three theories have emerged: that Epstein took his own life, that the DOJ—under then Attorney General Bill Barr, whose father once employed Epstein at the Dalton School in the 1970s—was involved in orchestrating his murder, or that Epstein was secretly replaced with a decoy and smuggled out. Skeptics have long pointed to inconsistencies between Epstein’s appearance and the body discovered in his cell, fueling doubts about the official narrative.

The Orange Flash: DOJ’s Latest Contradiction

Dan Bongino, a former FBI director, has remarked on the clarity of the video evidence, asserting, “There’s video clear as day, he’s the only person in there and the only person coming out. You can see it.” Despite this, the DOJ’s recently released documents detail a perplexing scene: an “orange-colored shape” making its way up a staircase towards Epstein’s locked and isolated cell at around 10:39 p.m. on the night he died. Initially reported in August, this “orange flash” has now been met with an official explanation, yet it remains unconvincing to many.

A Screenshot of the FBI's Analysis of the Security footage from 10:30pm to 10:41pm - Highlighted in the footage the "Orange Flash" seen in the video that appears to be an Inmate.
A Screenshot of the FBI’s Analysis of the Security footage from 10:30pm to 10:41pm – Highlighted in the footage the “Orange Flash” seen in the video that appears to be an Inmate.

The Metropolitan Correctional Center’s observation log, which was previously undisclosed, hints at significant omissions by the authorities: “A flash of orange looks to be going up the L Tier stairs — could possibly be an inmate escorted up to that Tier.” The FBI and the DOJ’s Office of Inspector General have reviewed the same footage but arrived at differing conclusions, further muddying the waters.

An FBI memorandum also referenced this incident, while the inspector general’s report described the figure as an officer carrying orange “linen or bedding,” identifying it as “an unidentified [corrections officer].” However, the officers on duty later confirmed that no linens were replaced during their shift; this task had been completed by the previous shift. Such discrepancies in the explanation only serve to fuel speculation and mistrust, suggesting a frantic attempt to conceal the truth. CBS News has also reported on these conflicting accounts, underscoring the ongoing uncertainties that continue to plague this high-profile case.

A Screenshot of the OIG's Analysis of the Security footage from 22:27:05 to 22:41:40 - Highlighted in the footage the "Orange Flash" seen in the video that appears to be an Inmate.
A Screenshot of the OIG’s Analysis of the Security footage from 22:27:05 to 22:41:40 – Highlighted in the footage the “Orange Flash” seen in the video that appears to be an Inmate.

The Missing Noose and Falsified Records: A Systemic Deception

Officially, Epstein died by suicide before 6:30 a.m. Yet, no one found the actual noose he supposedly used. Investigators questioned officers about its whereabouts. One officer responded, “I don’t recall taking the noose off. I really don’t. I don’t recall taking the thing from around his neck.”

A Photo of the Evidence of Jeffery Epstein's Noose which was provided by DOJ.
A Photo of the Evidence of Jeffery Epstein’s Noose which was provided by DOJ.

Another officer saw a colleague lower Epstein to the floor but confirmed no noose was visible. The noose Epstein allegedly used remains unidentified. The inspector general’s report even states a noose collected at the scene was not the ligature used in Epstein’s death. This evidence dismantles the suicide narrative and exposes a systemic deception.

This illustration shows a path from the entrance to the Special Housing Unit common area to the stairs leading up to Epstein's cell. Only a narrow portion of the staircase could be seen in video released by federal officials.
This illustration shows a path from the entrance to the Special Housing Unit common area to the stairs leading up to Epstein’s cell. Only a narrow portion of the staircase could be seen in video released by federal officials.

A Cascade of Failures: Institutional Betrayal

Many other disturbing irregularities surround Epstein’s death. First, he had no cellmate assigned. A July 30, 2019, directive required Epstein to have an “appropriate cellmate” due to suicide risk. However, his cellmate transferred on August 9 without replacement. Staff knew this, but did nothing, violating clear policy. This alone signals a profound institutional failure.

Furthermore, Nicholas Tartaglione, Epstein’s former cellmate, made explosive claims. Tartaglione begged a New York judge for a prison transfer after guards threatened him following Epstein’s death. He also claimed James Comey’s prosecutor daughter offered Epstein a deal to frame Donald Trump.

A photo of Tartaglione who shared a cell with Jeffery Epstein
A photo of Tartaglione who shared a cell with Jeffery Epstein

Tartaglione, a convicted murderer, stated Epstein had a chance to save himself by implicating the sitting president. “Prosecutors told Epstein that if he said President Trump was involved with Epstein’s crimes he would walk free,” Tartaglione claimed. “Epstein told me that Maurene Comey said that he didn’t have to prove anything, as long as President Trump’s people could not disprove it.” He added, “According to Maurene Comey, the FBI were ‘her people, not his [President Trump’s].’” This testimony reveals a chilling political motive behind the cover-up, a direct betrayal of justice. The New York Post also reported on Tartaglione’s conviction.

Another critical issue involves an unmonitored phone call. On August 9, Epstein made a 20-minute call from the SHU shower area using a non-inmate phone. He claimed it was to his deceased mother but spoke to a personal associate about press and his case. The call violated policy requiring monitoring, recording, and logging. The unit manager left midway, instructing no oversight. This blatant disregard for rules points to deliberate negligence or, more likely, complicity.

Emergency responders treating unresponsive inmate (Department of Justice)
Emergency responders treating unresponsive inmate (Department of Justice)

Moreover, staff falsified records. SHU staff falsified over 75 entries on count slips and round sheets. No inmate counts happened after 4 p.m. on August 9, and no 30-minute rounds after about 10:40 p.m. Records were pre-filled or signed without duties performed, using “ghost counting” that included transferred inmates. This systematic deception screams cover-up, a deliberate act to conceal the truth.

Adding to the chaos, Epstein had no monitoring overnight. He was alone and unmonitored from around 10:40 p.m. on August 9 until staff found him around 6:30 a.m. on August 10. Staff stayed at the officers’ station, with no entries to his tier. A sign mandating 30-minute rounds for Epstein was ignored. This negligence allowed whatever happened to occur without witnesses, a critical lapse in security.

His cell also contained excess linens and safety hazards. Epstein’s cell had too many blankets, linens, and clothes, some ripped into nooses or clotheslines. No cell search was documented on August 9, a day when searches are required. Mattresses and blankets were on the floor, violating housekeeping and security policies. Crucially, they never found the actual noose.

Then there was a convenient security camera malfunction. One of the SHU’s DVR systems failed on July 29 due to disk issues, stopping recordings. Staff reported it on August 8 but didn’t fix it until after Epstein’s death, blaming staffing shortages. This convenient malfunction limited a full review, raising more questions than answers about deliberate obstruction.

Image shows medical monitoring equipment attached to Epstein
Image shows medical monitoring equipment attached to Epstein

Finally, staff fatigue and dozing played a role. Officers worked excessive overtime; for example, one officer worked a 22-24 hour shift, his third in a row. Video showed staff idle or appearing asleep between 1-3 a.m. on August 10. Supervisors violated union agreements by assigning extended shifts, contributing to skipped duties. This systemic failure created the perfect conditions for a cover-up, a dereliction of duty at every level.

An ambiguous prior incident also stands out. On July 23, staff found Epstein on the floor with an orange cloth around his neck. It was unclear if it was a suicide attempt or an assault. Investigations were inconclusive, with conflicting statements. Staff placed him on suicide watch but removed him after just 31 hours. This early incident should have triggered extreme caution, but instead, the system failed him again, setting the stage for the final act.

Ultimately, Epstein “died by apparent suicide” indeed. The DOJ’s latest admission about the “orange shape” only adds another layer to this grotesque betrayal of justice. The American people deserve the truth, not more convenient lies and obfuscation from institutions that clearly prioritize political agendas over accountability. This demands a reckoning.

Photographs of Epstein taken at outside hospital
Photographs of Epstein taken at outside hospital

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