Federal Judge Releases Purported Jeffrey Epstein Suicide Note

A federal judge has unsealed a document described as a suicide note purportedly written by Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender who was found dead in his Manhattan jail cell in August 2019. The note was released on May 6, 2026, as part of a case involving Epstein’s former cellmate, Nicholas Tartaglione ^[1][2].

The note includes statements such as, “They investigated me for months — FOUND NOTHING!!!” and “It is a treat to be able to choose one’s time to say goodbye.” It also contains the line, “Watcha want me to do — Bust out cryin!! NO FUN — NOT WORTH IT!!” ^[1][2].

According to reports, the note was discovered by Tartaglione in July 2019, tucked inside a book in their shared cell after Epstein was found unresponsive with a bedsheet around his neck ^[1][2].

U.S. District Judge Kenneth Karas ordered the note to be unsealed, ruling that it qualified as a judicial document subject to the public’s right of access ^[1][2]. The note had been sealed as part of Tartaglione’s criminal case and was not included in the Justice Department’s earlier releases of Epstein-related documents ^[2].

The Justice Department did not oppose the request to unseal the note but stated it did not know whether the purported note is legitimate ^[3].

What Is Known

The document described as a suicide note was unsealed by a federal judge on May 6, 2026. It was found by Epstein’s former cellmate, Nicholas Tartaglione, in July 2019. The note contains several statements reflecting Epstein’s thoughts at the time ^[1][2].

What Remains Unclear

It remains unconfirmed whether Jeffrey Epstein actually wrote the note, as no law enforcement agency or court has authenticated the handwriting or authorship. Additionally, whether the note reflects Epstein’s state of mind or intent is also unverified ^[4][5].