Epstein's Alleged Suicide Note Unsealed by US Judge

Key facts

• A US judge ordered the release of a document claimed to be Jeffrey Epstein's suicide note.
• The note, unsealed on Wednesday, was reportedly found by Epstein's former cellmate, Nicholas Tartaglione.
• Epstein's death, ruled a suicide, occurred in August 2019 while awaiting trial for sex-trafficking charges.
• mentions an investigation that "found nothing" and expresses a desire to "choose one's time to say goodbye".
• Tartaglione, a convicted murderer, claims he found the note after Epstein's July 2019 suicide attempt.
• has not been verified by independent news organizations or US authorities.
• The document was sealed as part of criminal proceedings involving Tartaglione.

A Note Emerges from Jail Cell Shadows

A federal judge in the United States has ordered the public release of a document purported to be a suicide note penned by convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The handwritten text, unsealed on Wednesday, offers a cryptic glimpse into the mindset of the financier in the month preceding his death in August 2019. Epstein's demise, officially ruled a suicide, occurred while he was in custody awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges. His death, shrouded in controversy and fueling persistent conspiracy theories due to his connections with powerful figures, has drawn intense scrutiny. The note's emergence into the public domain follows a petition by The New York Times to the court in White Plains, New York, to make the document accessible. Its unsealing marks the first time the purported final words of the disgraced financier have been made public.

Cellmate's Claim of Discovery

The note's existence was first brought to light by Nicholas Tartaglione, Epstein's former cellmate at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York City. Tartaglione, himself a former police officer serving a life sentence for a quadruple murder conviction, claims he found the document tucked inside a book. he discovered the note after Epstein made an unsuccessful suicide attempt in July 2019. Weeks later, Epstein would be found dead in his cell. was sealed as part of Tartaglione's own legal proceedings, initially due to attorney-client privilege. Tartaglione first mentioned the note's existence publicly last year on a podcast.

Content and Unanswered Questions

contains phrases such as, "They investigated me for month - FOUND NOTHING!!!" and "it is a treat to be able to choose one's time to say goodbye." Another line reads, "Watcha want me to do - Bust out cryin!!" These words offer little definitive insight into Epstein's state of mind or the specific circumstances he faced. The brevity of the text leaves its precise meaning open to interpretation. Crucially, the authenticity of the note remains unverified. News organizations, including the BBC and The Guardian, have stated they have not confirmed it was written by Epstein. US authorities have declined to comment on the document.

Legal and Investigative Threads

The document unsealed on Wednesday was accompanied by a May 2021 letter from John A Wieder, a former lawyer for as "the original document" that federal Judge Kenneth M Karas had ordered to be provided to the court at that time. Tartaglione's legal team reportedly enlisted "handwriting experts" to authenticate the note's author. came into Tartaglione's possession, which he allegedly intended to use as a potential defense against future assault allegations from Epstein. The US Department of Justice has previously stated to other media outlets that they had not seen the note, while highlighting their extensive efforts to release millions of other Epstein-related files.

Legacy of Doubt and Scrutiny

Jeffrey Epstein's death in August 2019 continues to cast a long shadow, amplified by the ongoing release of documents related to his case and the individuals he associated with. The official ruling of suicide has done little to quell the persistent theories about his demise. adds another layer to the complex narrative surrounding Epstein's final days. It underscores the intense public interest in every detail emerging from the investigations into his alleged sex-trafficking network. While Tartaglione's account provides a potential origin for the note, the lack of independent verification leaves a significant gap in certainty. The legal and investigative processes continue to unfold, with the full implications of this newly public document yet to be determined.

The bottom line

• A US judge has ordered the release of an alleged suicide note written by Jeffrey Epstein.
• The note, unsealed on Wednesday, was reportedly found by Epstein's cellmate, Nicholas Tartaglione, after a July 2019 suicide attempt.
• The document contains phrases about investigations finding "nothing" and choosing "one's time to say goodbye".
• has not been independently verified by news organizations or confirmed by US authorities.
• Epstein's death in August 2019 was ruled a suicide while he awaited trial on sex-trafficking charges.
• was sealed as part of criminal proceedings involving Tartaglione, who is serving a life sentence for murder.