Costa Rican Police Chief Stands by Statement That Malcolm J. Warner Tried to Save Daughter
'I responded to the incident and I know what I saw,' Elberth León, Chief of the Tourist Police of the Atlantic Region, exclusively told Us Weekly. 'The Red Cross also treated the girl [on site] and she didn't need to go to the clinic.'
According to information from the Regional Subdelegation of Bribri of the Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ), obtained by Us on Saturday, July 27, the agency is contesting the police chief's statements.
'It appears that at one point, Mr. Warner was playing with his daughter at the shoreline,' the agency claimed in part. 'He later left her out of the water and supposedly entered the sea along with a friend. It was at that moment that the current pulled them in; the friend managed to get out, but unfortunately, Mr. Warner did not.'
Malcolm-Jamal Warner Was Trying to Save His Daughter From Riptide Before Drowning, Police Say
According to the OIJ, the late actor was 'pulled from the water by several people who were on the beach,' received immediate medical attention from Red Cross personnel but was ultimately declared 'dead at the scene.'
The OIJ's account of the incident was first reported by several outlets on Thursday, July 24.
'I don't know why the OIJ is saying that, since they weren't present at the scene,' León told Us of the agency's conclusion. 'They interviewed Malcom's family, but they also weren't there at the time of the accident.'
The Costa Rica Red Cross confirmed to Us on July 21 that emergency personnel attended to two adult male patients near Cocles, a beach in Limon, Costa Rica, after they were caught by a high current in the water.
One man was transported in critical condition to the local clinic, while CPR was performed on Warner at the scene. The Cosby Show alum was pronounced dead shortly after. He was 54.
The second individual was later discharged, according to local authorities.
The OIJ confirmed that Warner's autopsy was completed on July 22. The late actor's cause of death was ruled as "asphyxia due to submersion.' His death was ruled accidental.
León told Us on Thursday that both Warner and his daughter were in the water when they were 'dragged by the current.'
'They were bathing together and were caught by a rip current,' he said. 'Obviously, as a father, he fought for his daughter, but the current in that area is very strong, and they couldn't accomplish the objective.'
Doctor Who Attempted to Save Malcolm-Jamal Warner Speaks Out for the 1st Time
He continued, 'Two people who were there at the location went in with a surfboard and a boogie board to help rescue the people who were caught in the current. They managed to stay with the girl, managed to get her onto the board, but due to the strength of the current, one of them, from Nicaragua, had to let go of the board and push it toward the shore so the girl could make it to land or the coast.'
Despite the OIJ's conflicting report, León told Us he doesn't see any issue with his version of the tragic events because 'it's the truth about what happened.'
'I feel the OIJ failed to interview the Police and the Red Cross, and those are crucial interviews that should be part of any investigation,' he continued. 'But sometimes, for all kinds of reasons, they don't do them.'
OIJ journalist Pablo Alvarado claimed to Us on Saturday that the agency's officers did include interviews with several eyewitnesses at the scene and that their report reflects 'the hypothesis currently being considered regarding how the events may have occurred.'
According to Alvarado, the 'report will be submitted to the public Prosecutor's Office in the coming days.'
'The people who were involved are being interviewed,' he said, adding that the report includes accounts from the police, eye witnesses and members of the Red Cross.
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Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Yahoo
'Final call' before lotto winner loses $670k, Robert Irwin face of new $130m push, woman charged after toddler found in suitcase
Hello and welcome to Yahoo's live news blog this Monday. A lotto winner of $670,000 has just one week to claim the prize before its lost forever. Robert Irwin will be the face of a new $130 million push to advertise Australia to the rest of the world. Ads will be rolled out in several countries including the US and China in a bid to capitalise on a post-Covid travel boom. A woman in New Zealand has been charged after a two-year-old girl was discovered inside a suitcase in the baggage compartment of a bus. She was only found when another passenger asked to access their bag, with the "very hot" child being taken to hospital for assessment. Follow along as we bring you regular updates below. Spike in youth homelessness 'a tragedy', Salvos say The Salvation Army says there's been more than 5,000 children who've needed help from their homelessness services in the past year. There has also been a 20 per cent increase in women and girls experiencing homelessness, the charity said. 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'We're making one final call to all lottery players: now is the time to search every pocket, wallet and drawer. You might be holding a Saturday Gold Lotto ticket worth more than $670,000,' she said on Monday. Teenage driver dies amid foggy conditions An 18-year-old female driver has died after her car crashed into a ute on a regional Victorian road amid foggy conditions. Her car struck a Toyota Hilux towing a trailer on Latrobe River Road in Yallourn North about 8.40am. The 27-year-old male driver was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, while the woman died at the scene, police said. A photo shared to the ABC shows the two vehicles badly damaged in heavy fog. Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward as investigations continue. Premier slams 'deplorable' burning of Australian flag Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has slammed the actions of a handful of protesters at a pro-Palestine rally after an Australian flag was deliberately set alight. Protesters covering their faces then spray painted "abolish Australia" on the road in Melbourne's CBD. 'It's deplorable, it's a deplorable action' she told the Today show. Sydney Harbour Bridge likely off limits moving forward, premier suggests NSW Premier Chris Minns has issued a warning to protesters after 100,000 people marched across the Sydney Opera House in support of Palestinians in Gaza. Minns stressed it was a rare call to give the green light to a protest of that size, which caused significant traffic disruptions on Sunday. 'No-one should assume it's open season on the bridge,' he told reporters. 'My job is to be on the side of public safety and ensuring that people can live and work and protest and enjoy a city as big as Sydney." He said the approved march was a big challenge for authorities due to the sheer amount of people in a confined space and that he did not want to encourage other groups campaigning for other causes. 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Here's what happened in the Logies last night OK, let's have a little recap of last night's Logies now. Departing Home and Away veteran Lynne McGranger claimed the coveted Gold Logie while it was a big night for ABC comedy Fisk which claimed a staggering five awards. Magda Szubanski was inducted into the Hall of Fame at the 65th Annual TV WEEK Logies Awards, and while there was an outpouring of love for the comedy great, some questioned why it has taken so long for her to receive recognition for her longstanding career. Addressing the win via video, she said she didn't feel the honour was due to her blood cancer diagnosis. Fan favourite Jelena Dokic was praised for her powerful acceptance speech after her documentary 'Unbreakable: The Jelena Dokic Story' took out the prize for Best Factual or Documentary Program. She said it was a big win for survivors and the Australian public hailed her ongoing courage to address the issue. For more on what was a big night, read our coverage here. The struggling industry Albo forgot in tax break While beer drinkers will be spared from another price hike this month, those who prefer spirits will have to dig a little deeper into their wallets. The government put a pause on the alcohol excise duty for beer after serious concerns were raised by brewers and pubs about the impact it was having on the industry. But that election goodwill didn't extend to those who drink vodka, rum, whisky, gin and other spirits. A spokesperson for the Australian Taxation Office told Yahoo Finance the excise undergoes a twice-yearly indexation update "based on the upward movement" of inflation, and Monday will be the second time this year that this type of booze goes up in price. "This is incredibly disappointing," Australian Distillers Association general manager Cameron Mackenzie said. "It's not just another tax hike, it's a significant one that distillers and hospitality venues simply can't absorb." Read more from Yahoo Finance here. Boy charged after 'dangerous' discovery on roads Police in Queensland are urging parents to get strict with children after a 15-year-old boy was charged following the discovery of a "dangerous" modified BMX frame. Police forces around the country are ramping up efforts to tackle illegal e-bike use and modification, and on July 15 police in Gympie intercepted the teen allegedly driving a homemade motorbike. Police allege the motorbike had been created by modifying a BMX bike frame to remove pedals and add electric motors controlled by a throttle. 'A powerful bike in the hands of an unlicenced and inexperienced driver is extremely dangerous to not only the rider, but also the other road users,' Inspector Shane Draper said. 'I especially urge parents to be familiar with the regulations and road rules regarding e-bikes and to work with their child to understand and respect those rules. 'This is all aimed at reducing the significant road trauma, fatalities and life-changing injuries we have seen from the use of the e-bikes." The boy has been charged with one count each of driving of motor vehicle without a driver licence, vehicles used on roads must be registered and drive uninsured vehicle. He is due to front a child's court later this month. Woman charged after toddler found inside suitcase A New Zealand woman has been charged with child neglect after a bus driver found a two-year-old girl alive in a suitcase that was stowed in the vehicle's luggage compartment, police say. The bus driver noticed movement inside the bag during a planned stop at the settlement of Kaiwaka, north of Auckland, after a passenger asked for access to the luggage compartment, Detective Inspector Simon Harrison said in a statement. When the driver opened the suitcase they discovered the toddler, who was very hot but otherwise appeared physically unharmed, Harrison said. The child was taken to a hospital, where she remained Sunday night. The woman will front court later today. With aP Robert Irwin face of new $130m push Robert Irwin is the big name in Australia's latest bid to lure tourists to our shores. A new $130 million advertising campaign will be used in a host of countries including the US and China over the coming months as Tourism Australia anticipates another surge in tourism in 2026 in the wake of the Covid pandemic. Check out one of the ads below. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Australia (@australia) Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. Spike in youth homelessness 'a tragedy', Salvos say The Salvation Army says there's been more than 5,000 children who've needed help from their homelessness services in the past year. There has also been a 20 per cent increase in women and girls experiencing homelessness, the charity said. Forty-five per cent of those say they've experienced domestic or family violence. 'The increase in women and children experiencing homelessness is a tragedy,' Jed Donoghue, the National General Manager of The Salvation Army's Homelessness services, said. The Salvation Army says there's been more than 5,000 children who've needed help from their homelessness services in the past year. There has also been a 20 per cent increase in women and girls experiencing homelessness, the charity said. Forty-five per cent of those say they've experienced domestic or family violence. 'The increase in women and children experiencing homelessness is a tragedy,' Jed Donoghue, the National General Manager of The Salvation Army's Homelessness services, said. Just one week left for mystery winner of $670,000 to claim prize There's just one week left now for the winner of a $670,000 Saturday Gold Lotto prize to come forward before they lose it forever. The prize was won on August 11 2018 and has never been claimed. The unregistered ticket is currently the oldest unclaimed lottery prize in Australia and was purchased at Golden Lucky News in the Gold Coast suburb of Helensvale. By next Monday, the seven-year window to claim the prize will close. The Lott spokesperson Anna Hobdell earlier told Yahoo unclaimed prize money will have to be "returned to the community in some shape or form" if the winner isn't found. 'We're making one final call to all lottery players: now is the time to search every pocket, wallet and drawer. You might be holding a Saturday Gold Lotto ticket worth more than $670,000,' she said on Monday. There's just one week left now for the winner of a $670,000 Saturday Gold Lotto prize to come forward before they lose it forever. The prize was won on August 11 2018 and has never been claimed. The unregistered ticket is currently the oldest unclaimed lottery prize in Australia and was purchased at Golden Lucky News in the Gold Coast suburb of Helensvale. By next Monday, the seven-year window to claim the prize will close. The Lott spokesperson Anna Hobdell earlier told Yahoo unclaimed prize money will have to be "returned to the community in some shape or form" if the winner isn't found. 'We're making one final call to all lottery players: now is the time to search every pocket, wallet and drawer. You might be holding a Saturday Gold Lotto ticket worth more than $670,000,' she said on Monday. Teenage driver dies amid foggy conditions An 18-year-old female driver has died after her car crashed into a ute on a regional Victorian road amid foggy conditions. Her car struck a Toyota Hilux towing a trailer on Latrobe River Road in Yallourn North about 8.40am. The 27-year-old male driver was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, while the woman died at the scene, police said. A photo shared to the ABC shows the two vehicles badly damaged in heavy fog. Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward as investigations continue. An 18-year-old female driver has died after her car crashed into a ute on a regional Victorian road amid foggy conditions. Her car struck a Toyota Hilux towing a trailer on Latrobe River Road in Yallourn North about 8.40am. The 27-year-old male driver was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, while the woman died at the scene, police said. A photo shared to the ABC shows the two vehicles badly damaged in heavy fog. Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward as investigations continue. Premier slams 'deplorable' burning of Australian flag Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has slammed the actions of a handful of protesters at a pro-Palestine rally after an Australian flag was deliberately set alight. Protesters covering their faces then spray painted "abolish Australia" on the road in Melbourne's CBD. 'It's deplorable, it's a deplorable action' she told the Today show. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has slammed the actions of a handful of protesters at a pro-Palestine rally after an Australian flag was deliberately set alight. Protesters covering their faces then spray painted "abolish Australia" on the road in Melbourne's CBD. 'It's deplorable, it's a deplorable action' she told the Today show. Sydney Harbour Bridge likely off limits moving forward, premier suggests NSW Premier Chris Minns has issued a warning to protesters after 100,000 people marched across the Sydney Opera House in support of Palestinians in Gaza. Minns stressed it was a rare call to give the green light to a protest of that size, which caused significant traffic disruptions on Sunday. 'No-one should assume it's open season on the bridge,' he told reporters. 'My job is to be on the side of public safety and ensuring that people can live and work and protest and enjoy a city as big as Sydney." He said the approved march was a big challenge for authorities due to the sheer amount of people in a confined space and that he did not want to encourage other groups campaigning for other causes. NSW Premier Chris Minns has issued a warning to protesters after 100,000 people marched across the Sydney Opera House in support of Palestinians in Gaza. Minns stressed it was a rare call to give the green light to a protest of that size, which caused significant traffic disruptions on Sunday. 'No-one should assume it's open season on the bridge,' he told reporters. 'My job is to be on the side of public safety and ensuring that people can live and work and protest and enjoy a city as big as Sydney." He said the approved march was a big challenge for authorities due to the sheer amount of people in a confined space and that he did not want to encourage other groups campaigning for other causes. Hunt for man in Scream mask over synagogue graffiti A synagogue has been spray-painted in a series of hate-fuelled attacks, sparking a hunt for a masked man. The synagogue, at South Yarra in Melbourne's inner southeast, has been the target of graffiti five times from March 11 to July 30. On each occasion, police say an unknown man arrived alone on a black e-scooter and tagged "offensive phrases". Security camera footage was released on Monday in a bid to track down the suspect, who is described as white, of medium build and bald. He usually wore a long black jacket and black and white face covering, but also donned a Ghostface mask from the movie Scream in his two most recent forays on July 22 and 30. "There is absolutely no place at all in our society for hate-based behaviour," police said. Melbourne synagogues have repeatedly become a target after Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7, 2023 and the nation's subsequent military campaign in Gaza. A synagogue has been spray-painted in a series of hate-fuelled attacks, sparking a hunt for a masked man. The synagogue, at South Yarra in Melbourne's inner southeast, has been the target of graffiti five times from March 11 to July 30. On each occasion, police say an unknown man arrived alone on a black e-scooter and tagged "offensive phrases". Security camera footage was released on Monday in a bid to track down the suspect, who is described as white, of medium build and bald. He usually wore a long black jacket and black and white face covering, but also donned a Ghostface mask from the movie Scream in his two most recent forays on July 22 and 30. "There is absolutely no place at all in our society for hate-based behaviour," police said. Melbourne synagogues have repeatedly become a target after Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7, 2023 and the nation's subsequent military campaign in Gaza. Here's what happened in the Logies last night OK, let's have a little recap of last night's Logies now. Departing Home and Away veteran Lynne McGranger claimed the coveted Gold Logie while it was a big night for ABC comedy Fisk which claimed a staggering five awards. Magda Szubanski was inducted into the Hall of Fame at the 65th Annual TV WEEK Logies Awards, and while there was an outpouring of love for the comedy great, some questioned why it has taken so long for her to receive recognition for her longstanding career. Addressing the win via video, she said she didn't feel the honour was due to her blood cancer diagnosis. Fan favourite Jelena Dokic was praised for her powerful acceptance speech after her documentary 'Unbreakable: The Jelena Dokic Story' took out the prize for Best Factual or Documentary Program. She said it was a big win for survivors and the Australian public hailed her ongoing courage to address the issue. For more on what was a big night, read our coverage here. OK, let's have a little recap of last night's Logies now. Departing Home and Away veteran Lynne McGranger claimed the coveted Gold Logie while it was a big night for ABC comedy Fisk which claimed a staggering five awards. Magda Szubanski was inducted into the Hall of Fame at the 65th Annual TV WEEK Logies Awards, and while there was an outpouring of love for the comedy great, some questioned why it has taken so long for her to receive recognition for her longstanding career. Addressing the win via video, she said she didn't feel the honour was due to her blood cancer diagnosis. Fan favourite Jelena Dokic was praised for her powerful acceptance speech after her documentary 'Unbreakable: The Jelena Dokic Story' took out the prize for Best Factual or Documentary Program. She said it was a big win for survivors and the Australian public hailed her ongoing courage to address the issue. For more on what was a big night, read our coverage here. The struggling industry Albo forgot in tax break While beer drinkers will be spared from another price hike this month, those who prefer spirits will have to dig a little deeper into their wallets. The government put a pause on the alcohol excise duty for beer after serious concerns were raised by brewers and pubs about the impact it was having on the industry. But that election goodwill didn't extend to those who drink vodka, rum, whisky, gin and other spirits. A spokesperson for the Australian Taxation Office told Yahoo Finance the excise undergoes a twice-yearly indexation update "based on the upward movement" of inflation, and Monday will be the second time this year that this type of booze goes up in price. "This is incredibly disappointing," Australian Distillers Association general manager Cameron Mackenzie said. "It's not just another tax hike, it's a significant one that distillers and hospitality venues simply can't absorb." Read more from Yahoo Finance here. While beer drinkers will be spared from another price hike this month, those who prefer spirits will have to dig a little deeper into their wallets. The government put a pause on the alcohol excise duty for beer after serious concerns were raised by brewers and pubs about the impact it was having on the industry. But that election goodwill didn't extend to those who drink vodka, rum, whisky, gin and other spirits. A spokesperson for the Australian Taxation Office told Yahoo Finance the excise undergoes a twice-yearly indexation update "based on the upward movement" of inflation, and Monday will be the second time this year that this type of booze goes up in price. "This is incredibly disappointing," Australian Distillers Association general manager Cameron Mackenzie said. "It's not just another tax hike, it's a significant one that distillers and hospitality venues simply can't absorb." Read more from Yahoo Finance here. Boy charged after 'dangerous' discovery on roads Police in Queensland are urging parents to get strict with children after a 15-year-old boy was charged following the discovery of a "dangerous" modified BMX frame. Police forces around the country are ramping up efforts to tackle illegal e-bike use and modification, and on July 15 police in Gympie intercepted the teen allegedly driving a homemade motorbike. Police allege the motorbike had been created by modifying a BMX bike frame to remove pedals and add electric motors controlled by a throttle. 'A powerful bike in the hands of an unlicenced and inexperienced driver is extremely dangerous to not only the rider, but also the other road users,' Inspector Shane Draper said. 'I especially urge parents to be familiar with the regulations and road rules regarding e-bikes and to work with their child to understand and respect those rules. 'This is all aimed at reducing the significant road trauma, fatalities and life-changing injuries we have seen from the use of the e-bikes." The boy has been charged with one count each of driving of motor vehicle without a driver licence, vehicles used on roads must be registered and drive uninsured vehicle. He is due to front a child's court later this month. Police in Queensland are urging parents to get strict with children after a 15-year-old boy was charged following the discovery of a "dangerous" modified BMX frame. Police forces around the country are ramping up efforts to tackle illegal e-bike use and modification, and on July 15 police in Gympie intercepted the teen allegedly driving a homemade motorbike. Police allege the motorbike had been created by modifying a BMX bike frame to remove pedals and add electric motors controlled by a throttle. 'A powerful bike in the hands of an unlicenced and inexperienced driver is extremely dangerous to not only the rider, but also the other road users,' Inspector Shane Draper said. 'I especially urge parents to be familiar with the regulations and road rules regarding e-bikes and to work with their child to understand and respect those rules. 'This is all aimed at reducing the significant road trauma, fatalities and life-changing injuries we have seen from the use of the e-bikes." The boy has been charged with one count each of driving of motor vehicle without a driver licence, vehicles used on roads must be registered and drive uninsured vehicle. He is due to front a child's court later this month. Woman charged after toddler found inside suitcase A New Zealand woman has been charged with child neglect after a bus driver found a two-year-old girl alive in a suitcase that was stowed in the vehicle's luggage compartment, police say. The bus driver noticed movement inside the bag during a planned stop at the settlement of Kaiwaka, north of Auckland, after a passenger asked for access to the luggage compartment, Detective Inspector Simon Harrison said in a statement. When the driver opened the suitcase they discovered the toddler, who was very hot but otherwise appeared physically unharmed, Harrison said. The child was taken to a hospital, where she remained Sunday night. The woman will front court later today. With aP A New Zealand woman has been charged with child neglect after a bus driver found a two-year-old girl alive in a suitcase that was stowed in the vehicle's luggage compartment, police say. The bus driver noticed movement inside the bag during a planned stop at the settlement of Kaiwaka, north of Auckland, after a passenger asked for access to the luggage compartment, Detective Inspector Simon Harrison said in a statement. When the driver opened the suitcase they discovered the toddler, who was very hot but otherwise appeared physically unharmed, Harrison said. The child was taken to a hospital, where she remained Sunday night. The woman will front court later today. With aP Robert Irwin face of new $130m push Robert Irwin is the big name in Australia's latest bid to lure tourists to our shores. A new $130 million advertising campaign will be used in a host of countries including the US and China over the coming months as Tourism Australia anticipates another surge in tourism in 2026 in the wake of the Covid pandemic. Check out one of the ads below. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Australia (@australia) Robert Irwin is the big name in Australia's latest bid to lure tourists to our shores. A new $130 million advertising campaign will be used in a host of countries including the US and China over the coming months as Tourism Australia anticipates another surge in tourism in 2026 in the wake of the Covid pandemic. Check out one of the ads below. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Australia (@australia)
New York Post
10 hours ago
- New York Post
Australian state rolls out machete ‘disposal bins' ahead of ban
An Australian state has asked citizens to surrender machetes at disposal bins ahead of a statewide ban on the weapons aimed at combating knife crime. Australia's state of Victoria on Thursday announced that more than 40 machete disposal bins will be available at police stations across the state to allow citizens to safely get rid of the weapons without a penalty before the Sept. 1 ban begins. Advertisement 'Owning, carrying, using, buying, or selling a machete without a valid exemption or approval will be a criminal offense,' the Victorian government said in a statement. The government is running a 'Machete Amnesty' period from Sept. 1 to Nov. 30 to support the safe disposal of machetes. Those who do not surrender their machetes during the amnesty period may face imprisonment of up to two years or a fine of more than $47,000 AUD ($31,725 US dollars). 'These knives destroy lives – so we're taking them off the streets,' Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan said in a statement. 3 Australia's state of Victoria on Thursday announced that more than 40 machete disposal bins will be available at police stations across the state. Instagram / Lily D'Ambrosio MP Advertisement Victoria police have seized a record number of illegal knives from the streets, averaging at least 44 knives a day, Sky News Australia reported. Minister for Police Anthony Carbines said the government is backing Victoria Police to get the weapons out of the hands of young people to keep citizens safe. 3 The government is running a 'Machete Amnesty' period from Sept. 1 to Nov. 30 to support the safe disposal of machetes. State Government of Victoria 'Our message to anyone with these weapons is simple – get rid of them or face the consequences,' Carbines said in a statement. Advertisement Exemptions for those who can possess a machete include agricultural workers who use them as part of their job, along with machetes that are used in a traditional, historical or cultural capacity, according to the government. Individuals exempt must comply with strict conditions and be able to demonstrate eligibility if asked by police. 3 Victoria police have seized a record number of illegal knives from the streets, averaging at least 44 knives a day. Con Chronis/EPA/Shutterstock The Victoria government said it had already issued a temporary ban on the sale of machetes in May, resulting in Amazon removing the weapons for purchase from its website.
Yahoo
15 hours ago
- Yahoo
Where is Epstein's island? Trump said he ‘never had the privilege' to visit
President Donald Trump denied ever visiting late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein's private island in one of his "very good moments." Trump was in Scotland answering questions from reporters on July 28 as the controversy over the criminal case files on the financier indicted on sex trafficking charges continues to roil his administration. Epstein owned a small private island in the U.S. Virgin Islands, where sex trafficking of young girls allegedly occurred. 'I never had the privilege of going to his island, and I did turn it down, but a lot of people in Palm Beach were invited to his island," Trump said. 'In one of my very good moments, I turned it down. I didn't want to go to his island.' Where does the island fit in the Epstein saga? Here is what to know: More: Trump says poached Mar-a-Lago spa staff included Epstein accuser Virginia Giuffre What happened at Epstein's island? In January 2020, prosecutors with the U.S. Virgin Islands filed a lawsuit against Epstein's estate, alleging a criminal enterprise took place on his property there involving the sexual abuse of young girls. "Epstein owned and arranged for private planes, helicopters, boat and automobiles to transport victims to, from and within the Virgin Islands, and provided money to pay these young women and underage girls," the lawsuit stated. Numerous girls forced into his scheme were 12 to 17 years old, the lawsuit alleged, stating local authorities last observed related events happening in 2018. A web of companies owned by Epstein, dubbed the "Epstein Enterprise" by prosecutors, "deceptively lured underage girls and women into its sex trafficking ring with money and promises of employment, career opportunities and school assistance." One 15-year-old girl tried to escape by swimming, the lawsuit states. The estate settled the case with the U.S. Virgin Islands for $105 million in December 2022. More: Jeffrey Epstein, a survivor's untold story and the complexity of abuse Where is the Epstein island located? The island Epstein owned was in the U.S Virgin Islands. Epstein also owned property in New York and Palm Beach, where federal U.S. prosecutors also allege sex trafficking occurred. Ghislaine Maxwell eyes clemency as MAGA calls for Epstein transparency Trump has been dealing with questions and controversy over Epstein for weeks, with members of both parties calling for more transparency about the man's criminal case. Trump has called for the release of more documents, but one federal judge in Florida has already denied the request to unseal grand jury transcripts. The backlash has also led the Department of Justice back to Epstein's ex-partner Ghislaine Maxwell for more information. She is serving a 20-year prison sentence for trafficking a minor to Epstein for sexual abuse. She spoke with DOJ officials over two days last week, and Trump has not yet ruled out a pardon. Trump and Epstein shared a friendship for years, as they were both part of the Palm Beach, Florida, community, where Mar-a-Lago is located. 'I wouldn't talk to Jeffrey Epstein because he did something that was inappropriate. … He stole people that worked for me. I said, 'Don't ever do that again.' He did it again, and I threw him out of the place,' Trump said, in reference to his Mar-a-Lago club and residence. 'Persona non grata." Contributing: Josh Meyer and Aysha Bagchi, USA TODAY Kinsey Crowley is the Trump Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at kcrowley@ Follow her on X and TikTok @kinseycrowley or Bluesky at @ This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump said he 'never had the privilege' to visit island Epstein owned Solve the daily Crossword
