Epstein’s Cellmate Claims He Found Suicide Note DOJ Denies Prior Knowledge

Jeffrey Epstein’s death continues to be shrouded in mystery and unanswered questions. Now, Nicholas Tartaglione, Epstein’s cellmate at the time of his first suspected suicide attempt in July 2019, has come forward claiming he found a handwritten suicide note from the disgraced financier. The Justice Department, however, says this is the first time it has seen the note, contradicting Tartaglione’s account and highlighting ongoing gaps in the official record.

Tartaglione, a former police officer turned convicted murderer, says he found the note tucked inside a book while they were sharing a Manhattan federal jail cell. Epstein was discovered with a bedsheet strip around his neck during that initial suicide attempt but survived. He was later moved to a different cell, where he died by suicide on August 10, 2019.

The note, which has now been made public after a judge’s order, reads in part: “They investigated me for month — found nothing!!!” and “It is a treat to be able to choose the time to say goodbye.” The note is difficult to fully decipher and has not been authenticated. Tartaglione gave the note to his lawyers to protect himself from any accusations that he might have harmed Epstein while they were in custody.

The Justice Department claims it never possessed the note and only recently became aware of it through unrelated legal proceedings involving Tartaglione. The note had been sealed in a federal court vault since 2021 as part of a dispute over Tartaglione’s legal representation. Because of attorney-client privilege, details about the note were kept from the public until The New York Times successfully petitioned for its release.

Epstein’s death has long been a source of controversy, with many questioning the official narrative and the circumstances surrounding his suicide. Jail records from July 23, 2019, show Epstein had friction marks on his neck, and although he initially accused Tartaglione of attacking him, he later recanted. Epstein was placed on suicide watch but was downgraded to psychiatric observation before his death.

The Justice Department did not oppose releasing the note, acknowledging public interest in Epstein’s death. However, Deputy U.S. Attorney Sean Buckley explained that lawyers involved in the 2021 proceedings were barred from disclosing information due to attorney-client privilege, which could explain why the department claims it is just now seeing the note.

This revelation adds yet another layer of opacity and suspicion to a case already rife with unanswered questions. Epstein’s death was a critical failure of the justice system, and the Justice Department’s apparent ignorance of this note raises serious doubts about how thoroughly the circumstances of his death have been investigated.

We will continue to monitor developments in the Epstein files, demanding transparency and accountability for a case that implicates powerful figures and exposes systemic failures in holding elites accountable.