Let me be the first to say that Epstein isn't even dead. He was extracted from prison, alive and well, and another dead body was placed on the stretcher and hauled out.

The government would protect Epstein at all costs because of who and what he knows. If Epstein is thought to be dead, then .gov can proceed to capture those names Epstein can provide, probably in return for a new life under a veil of secrecy.