Federal Prosecutors Back Unsealing Jeffrey Epstein’s Purported Suicide Note

Federal prosecutors from the Southern District of New York have officially supported a petition by The New York Times to unseal a purported suicide note written by Jeffrey Epstein. The note is currently sealed as part of criminal proceedings involving Epstein’s one-time cellmate, Nicholas Tartaglione, a convicted quadruple murderer.

Tartaglione told The New York Times he found the note tucked inside a book shortly after Epstein’s unsuccessful suicide attempt in July 2019. The Times argued that because Tartaglione has publicly discussed the note, there is no longer any reason to keep it secret. Prosecutors agreed, stating in a letter to the judge that Tartaglione’s public disclosures effectively waived the need for continued sealing.

“If Tartaglione has publicly discussed matters occurring in the Curcio proceedings, then his public statements constitute a waiver of the need for continued sealing as to the matters he has publicly disclosed,” wrote U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton.

The note reportedly contains cryptic messages including “FBI, you know, looked into me for months and found nothing,” a rhetorical question, “What do you want me to do? Cry about it?” and a smiley face followed by “time to say goodbye,” according to Tartaglione’s recounting on a podcast last year.

Epstein died by hanging in his Manhattan jail cell in August 2019 while awaiting trial on charges of sex trafficking minors. His death was officially ruled a suicide, but the circumstances have been shrouded in controversy and suspicion. Epstein’s cellmate at the time, Tartaglione, was initially accused by Epstein of attempting to kill him but those allegations were later withdrawn. Tartaglione denies any involvement.

The Justice Department’s own files reference the note, noting that Tartaglione’s lawyer authenticated it in early 2020, though details on the authentication process remain sealed.

Epstein’s case exposed a vast and sordid network of sex trafficking involving underage girls, powerful enablers, and institutional failures to hold elites accountable. His death cut short a high-profile trial that many hoped would finally deliver justice.

The decision to unseal the suicide note could provide new insights into Epstein’s final days and the murky circumstances of his death. Judge Kenneth Karas will now decide whether to make this piece of evidence public, potentially peeling back another layer of secrecy in one of the most notorious scandals of recent times.

For those struggling with thoughts of suicide, free and confidential help is available 24/7 by calling or texting the national lifeline at 988.