A woman, who accused billionaire Jeffrey Epstein of grooming her for a child sex ring, says she's lost her shot at justice after his suicide in New York on Saturday (local time).
An investigation has begun into how Epstein, 66, died in a jail cell at New York's Metropolitan Correctional Centre, with attention now turning to his associates.
New questions have sprung to life following the apparent suicide, with many claiming a chance at justice for his alleged victims has also perished.
- Billionaire Jeffrey Epstein charged with sex trafficking found dead in his cell
- US billionaire Jeffrey Epstein pleads not guilty to sex trafficking underage girls
The FBI are probing the circumstances surrounding Epstein's death as the disgraced financier died in Federal custody before facing a raft of charges for allegedly sex trafficking minors.
Some regard his death as proof of a wild conspiracy, fueled in part by US President Donald Trump.
Epstein's former friend retweeted a video, linking the death to his favourite foe Bill Clinton.
"For some odd reason, people that have information on the Clintons usually end up dead. And they usually die from suicide," says US comedian Terrance K. Williams.
- Donald Trump shares conspiracy theory that Bill Clinton had Jeffrey Epstein murdered
- Donald Trump's 'reckless' conspiracy claims condemned
There is no evidence of any connection, but Epstein's death has many concerned.
Virginia Giuffre, who lives in Australia, says Epstein treated her as his "sex slave".
"We've worked so hard to get here, and he stole that from us, too," she told the New York Times.
Lisa Broom, a lawyer, represents several of Epstein's alleged victims.
"My clients were shocked, distraught, having a hard time processing this," Broom said.
"Now that he's gone, the criminal case dies with him. We are going to file civil claims, civil litigation against Jeffrey Epstein's estate."
Others could still face criminal charges, as Epstein's accusers claim his former partner and long-time friend Ghislaine Maxwell helped organise the alleged abuse.
An autopsy was performed on August 11m, but a cause of death has yet to be officially announced.
Newshub.
