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Judge Unseals Purported Epstein Suicide Note After Years of Secrecy
A federal judge in New York has ordered the release of a handwritten note purportedly written by convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein before his death in federal custody in August 2019. The document, which had been sealed for nearly seven years, was made public on May 6, 2026, following a legal request by The New York Times. The release reignites public scrutiny of Epstein's death and the circumstances surrounding his incarceration at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York City.
Epstein, 66, died while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges involving dozens of minor girls. His death was officially ruled a suicide by hanging, though it has long been the subject of conspiracy theories and demands for transparency. The Epstein case transparency movement has pushed for the release of documents and evidence related to his network and associates.
Contents of the Note: 'They Investigated Me for Month — Found Nothing'
The seven-line note, scrawled on a yellow legal pad, includes the phrases: '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: 'NO FUN — NOT WORTH IT!!' The note's authenticity has not been confirmed by the Department of Justice, but the judge ruled it qualifies as a judicial document subject to public access.
According to court filings, the note was allegedly written by Epstein in July 2019, shortly before his first suicide attempt in his cell. His cellmate at the time, convicted murderer Nicholas Tartaglione, claimed he found the note tucked inside a book after reviving Epstein from that attempt. Tartaglione submitted the note as part of his own criminal case, where it remained sealed until the recent court order.
Chain of Custody Questions Remain
U.S. District Judge Kenneth Karas, who ordered the unsealing, explicitly stated he was not vouching for the note's authenticity or chain of custody. The DOJ did not oppose the release, acknowledging strong public interest in the Epstein case. However, no forensic analysis has been publicly shared to verify that Epstein authored the document.
Epstein had denied being suicidal to a jail psychologist, reportedly saying: 'I have no interest in killing myself.' The contradiction between this statement and the note's contents has fueled ongoing questions about the circumstances of his death. The Jeffrey Epstein death investigation remains a topic of intense debate among lawmakers and the public.
Background: Epstein's Crimes and Controversial Death
Jeffrey Epstein was first investigated in 2005 after police in Palm Beach, Florida, received reports that he had paid a 14-year-old girl to perform sexual acts. Investigators identified 36 underage victims, but a controversial 2008 plea deal allowed Epstein to plead guilty to lesser state charges, serving only 13 months in jail with work release. He was required to register as a sex offender.
In July 2019, Epstein was indicted on federal sex trafficking charges for crimes that allegedly occurred between 2002 and 2005. He pleaded not guilty and was held without bail at the Metropolitan Correctional Center. On August 10, 2019, he was found dead in his cell. The New York City Medical Examiner's Office ruled his death a suicide by hanging.
Conspiracy Theories and Calls for Transparency
Epstein's death sparked widespread speculation, with critics questioning how a high-profile inmate could die under federal supervision. Surveillance footage from outside his cell was reportedly lost, and guards were accused of failing to perform required checks. The Epstein jail death conspiracy theories have persisted, with some alleging that Epstein was murdered to prevent him from implicating powerful associates.
In response, the Epstein Files Transparency Act led to the partial release of thousands of documents, including flight logs, contact lists, and witness statements. The suicide note is the latest document to enter the public domain, though many records remain sealed.
Impact and Implications: What the Note Means
The release of the note provides a rare glimpse into Epstein's state of mind before his death, but it also raises new questions. The note's defiant tone — claiming investigators found 'nothing' — contrasts with the extensive evidence of his crimes, including testimony from dozens of victims and financial records showing payments to young women. Legal experts suggest the note may be used in ongoing civil lawsuits against Epstein's estate and associates.
Epstein's estate, valued at approximately $600 million at the time of his death, has paid hundreds of millions in settlements to over 200 victims. Banks including JP Morgan and Deutsche Bank have also paid substantial settlements for allegedly enabling Epstein's abuse.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the Epstein suicide note say?
The seven-line note states: 'They investigated me for month — found NOTHING!!!' and 'It is a treat to be able to choose one's time to say goodbye.' It also includes the phrase 'NO FUN — NOT WORTH IT!!'
Who found the Epstein suicide note?
Epstein's former cellmate, convicted quadruple murderer Nicholas Tartaglione, claimed he found the note tucked inside a book after Epstein's first suicide attempt in July 2019.
Is the Epstein suicide note authentic?
The note's authenticity has not been verified. The judge who ordered its release did not vouch for its chain of custody, and the DOJ has not confirmed that Epstein authored it.
Why was the note sealed for so long?
The note was part of Tartaglione's criminal case and was sealed by the court. It remained confidential until The New York Times filed a legal request for its release, which Judge Kenneth Karas granted in May 2026.
What happened to Jeffrey Epstein?
Epstein died by suicide on August 10, 2019, in his cell at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York City while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges. His death was ruled a suicide by hanging.
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