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They found nothing: Epstein suicide note released
A federal judge unsealed a handwritten note allegedly written by Jeffrey Epstein, found in a jail cell shared with Nicholas Tartaglione. The document, submitted in Tartaglione's criminal case, includes lines about saying goodbye, but its authenticity and chain of custody were not determined by the court. The release follows reporting by The New York Times and ties to Epstein's 2019 jail incident and death.
Why It Matters
The unsealing adds to the public record surrounding Epstein's death and jail conditions, fueling ongoing scrutiny of the 2019 incident and the handling of judicial documents in related cases.
Timeline
8 Events
May 7, 2026: US District Judge Kenneth Karas unseals Epstein note
May 7, 2026
Karas unsealed the handwritten note, ruling it qualified as a judicial document because it had been submitted in Tartaglione's criminal case. He did not confirm authenticity or examine its chain of custody. The note includes lines such as 'It is a treat to be able to choose one's time to say goodbye' and 'They investigated me for month - Found NOTHING!!! So 15 year old charges resulted.' The NYT had requested the release.
April 30, 2026: The New York Times reports the note's existence
April 30, 2026
The New York Times reported the existence of Epstein's note for the first time, a development referenced ahead of the note's release.
2025: Tartaglione discusses the note publicly in a podcast
2025
Tartaglione publicly discussed the note during a podcast interview, according to court records.
August 10, 2019: Epstein dies in Manhattan jail
August 10, 2019
Epstein died at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in Manhattan; authorities described the death as a suicide. At the time, Epstein no longer had a cellmate.
August 2019: Officials say a second handwritten note was found in Epstein's cell after his death
August 2019
Officials said they found another handwritten note in Epstein's cell after his death; the note reportedly described jail conditions (food, showers, bugs) rather than being a suicide note.
July 31, 2019: Epstein and Tartaglione interviewed by jail officials
July 31, 2019
Both Epstein and Tartaglione were interviewed by jail officials regarding the July 23 incident.
July 23, 2019: Epstein found injured in Manhattan jail cell in apparent suicide attempt
July 23, 2019
Epstein was found injured in his Manhattan jail cell; jail records described friction marks and skin irritation on his neck. Tartaglione claimed Epstein thought Tartaglione had tried to kill him. Epstein was placed on suicide watch for 31 hours after the incident.
2008 Florida case: Epstein pleads guilty to soliciting prostitution from a minor
2008
Epstein pleaded guilty in Florida in 2008 to soliciting prostitution from a minor.