Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Epstein signed the will on 8 August, less than 48 hours before he was found dead in his cell. PA

Jeffrey Epstein signed a will two days before his suicide

Lawyers representing women who claim they were sexually abused by Epstein have vowed to go after his assets.

JEFFREY EPSTEIN SIGNED a will just two days before his suicide in prison, new court records show.

The court papers filed last week in the US Virgin Islands do not list details of beneficiaries but valued his estate at more than $577 million (€520m), including more than $56 million (€50m) in cash.

The existence of the will, first reported by the New York Post, has raised new questions about Epstein’s final days inside the Metropolitan Correctional Center, where he was awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking and conspiracy charges.

Epstein signed the will on 8 August, less than 48 hours before he was found dead in his cell. Prosecutors yesterday moved to dismiss the indictment against him but said they are considering charging others with facilitating his alleged abuse of dozens of girls.

Lawyers representing women who claim they were sexually abused by Epstein as teenagers have vowed to go after his assets now that there will be no trial on the criminal charges against Epstein. One woman filed proceedings against the estate last week, claiming Epstein repeatedly raped her when she was a teenager.

“Give his entire estate to his victims. It is the only justice they can get,” one of those lawyers, Lisa Bloom, wrote in an email. “And they deserve it. And on behalf of the Epstein victims I represent, I intend to fight for it.”

Epstein had more than $112 million (€101m) worth of equities, according to the will. He owned a Caribbean island, homes in Paris and New York City, a New Mexico ranch and a fleet of high-price cars.

As part of his 2008 plea deal to Florida state charges, Epstein made undisclosed financial settlements with dozens of his victims. It’s unclear how those settlements might affect any claims made on his estate.

William Blum, a lawyer for Epstein’s estate, said in a statement that any debts or claims against the estate will be “fairly administered.”

He said the document was Epstein’s original last will.

- With reporting from Associated Press.

If you need to talk, contact for free:

  • Pieta House 1800 247247 or email mary@pieta.ie – (available 24/7)
  • Samaritans 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.ie (available 24/7)
  • Aware 1800 804848 (depression, anxiety)
  • Childline 1800 666666 (for under 18s, available 24/7)
  • National Rape Crisis Helpline 1800 77 88 88 (available 24/7)

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Author
Michelle Hennessy
View 26 comments
Close
26 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

    Leave a commentcancel

     
    JournalTv
    News in 60 seconds