New Epstein Jail Video Logs Raise Fresh Questions About Night of His Death 

Newly released U.S. Department of Justice records have reignited controversy surrounding Jeffrey Epstein’s death, revealing surveillance observations that appear to conflict with long-standing official statements. The documents suggest possible late-night activity near Epstein’s jail tier—despite repeated claims that no one entered the area before his body was found.

Orange Figure Seen Near Epstein’s Cell Tier

According to internal observation logs reviewed by federal investigators, surveillance footage from the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York shows a faint orange-colored shape moving up the stairs toward Epstein’s locked housing tier around 10:39 p.m. on August 9, 2019.

One log entry describes the sighting as “a flash of orange going up the L Tier stairs,” adding that it could have been an inmate escorted to the tier. This observation had not been publicly highlighted in earlier official reports.

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. 

FBI and Inspector General Disagree on What the Video Shows

The newly released files reveal that two federal bodies reached different conclusions after reviewing the same footage:

• FBI analysts described the blurry orange image as possibly an inmate, consistent with the color of prison uniforms.

• The Department of Justice’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) suggested it could have been a corrections officer carrying orange bedding or inmate linen.

Despite these differing interpretations, the final inspector general report concluded only that an unidentified corrections officer appeared briefly on the stairs, without firmly identifying the individual.

Official Statements Contradicted by New Evidence

For years, authorities—including senior Justice Department officials—have maintained that no one entered Epstein’s housing tier on the night of his death. Former officials publicly stated that surveillance footage showed Epstein was alone.

However, the new records challenge that narrative by documenting unexplained movement near the tier during the estimated time window of Epstein’s death.

Independent video analysts previously consulted by journalists have also stated that the movement pattern appeared more consistent with a person wearing an orange inmate uniform than a corrections officer.

Why the Staircase Video Matters

The staircase captured in the footage was recorded by the only functioning camera covering access to Epstein’s tier that night. Due to its limited angle, investigators acknowledged that someone could have entered the tier without being clearly seen.

Despite this limitation, the footage was heavily relied upon to reconstruct the timeline of Epstein’s final hours—raising concerns about whether critical activity may have been overlooked or misinterpreted.

Inside the Special Housing Unit That Night

Thousands of newly disclosed pages provide additional insight into conditions inside the Special Housing Unit (SHU) where Epstein was held. Interviews with inmates described a generally quiet night, though several admitted to using drugs such as marijuana and K2 inside their cells.

Two staff members were assigned to the unit:

• Tova Noel, a corrections officer

• Ghitto Bonhomme, a materials handler whose identity had not been widely disclosed before

Records indicate Bonhomme had been working multiple consecutive shifts and reportedly fell asleep on duty between approximately 10 p.m. and midnight.

Missing Counts and Unanswered Questions

Investigators later discovered that required inmate counts and wellness checks—scheduled every 30 minutes—were not completed during the night. These checks were meant to ensure Epstein’s safety.

Both Noel and another officer who came on duty later, Michael Thomas, were charged with falsifying records indicating that the checks had been done. The charges were eventually dropped in exchange for cooperation, but their interviews revealed major gaps in memory.

Neither officer was directly questioned about the orange figure seen in the video logs.

Discovery of Epstein’s Body and Evidence Gaps

Epstein was found unresponsive shortly after 6:30 a.m. on August 10, 2019. Officer Thomas stated he removed Epstein from a hanging position but could not recall what happened to the ligature. Another officer reported not seeing a noose at all.

The ligature allegedly used in Epstein’s death has never been definitively identified, and a noose collected from the scene was later ruled out as the cause.

Additionally:

• Epstein was reportedly shirtless when found

• A shirt believed to have been cut from his body was later returned from the hospital

• The official time of death was never established

Medical Examiner Review Adds More Uncertainty

The New York City medical examiner’s office reviewed the surveillance footage days after Epstein’s death and determined it was too blurry to identify any individuals. Nevertheless, the office ruled the death a suicide just hours later, without estimating how long Epstein had been deceased.

A forensic pathologist hired by Epstein’s family later stated that Epstein may have been dead for several hours, but moving the body made a precise determination impossible.

Why These New Files Matter

The release of these documents raises critical unresolved questions:

• Who—or what—was the orange figure on the stairs?

• Why wasn’t this observation addressed in official reports?

• Could activity near Epstein’s tier have gone unrecorded or unacknowledged?

As more Epstein-related files continue to surface, public confidence in the original investigation remains under strain, and scrutiny of federal oversight is intensifying.