A potential suicide note left by Jeffrey Epstein, discovered by his former cellmate nearly seven years ago, continues to be withheld from public scrutiny, with the Department of Justice asserting it has never been in possession of the document.
Discovery of the Note
The note was found by Nicholas Tartaglione, Epstein’s cellmate at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York City, in late July 2019. Tartaglione, who is serving multiple life sentences, claimed he discovered the note hidden inside a graphic novel after Epstein’s first apparent suicide attempt. According to Tartaglione, the note suggested that investigators had “found nothing” and included the line: “What do you want me to do, bust out crying? Time to say goodbye.”
Sealed in a Courthouse Vault
Since its discovery, the document has been stored in a courthouse vault under seal, ordered by a federal judge amid a legal dispute involving Tartaglione’s legal team. The Department of Justice has stated it has never seen the note, raising questions about its handling of the Epstein case files.
Push for Unsealing
The New York Times has formally petitioned a U.S. District Judge to unseal the note, a move that is expected to reignite speculation surrounding Epstein’s death in August 2019, which was officially ruled a suicide. The newspaper argues that the public has a right to see the document, given the high-profile nature of the case and the conspiracy theories that have circulated.
The sealed note remains a focal point of controversy, with critics accusing authorities of obstructing transparency. The outcome of the petition could have significant implications for the ongoing scrutiny of Epstein’s death and the DOJ’s oversight.
