Full Breakdown
Sealed Suicide Note of Jeffrey Epstein Remains Hidden Seven Years After His Death
5/1/2026, 5:32:50 PM
Event Overview
In July 2019 Jeffrey Epstein, facing sex-trafficking charges, allegedly wrote a suicide note that read, in part, “What do you want me to do, bust out crying? Time to say goodbye.” Nicholas Tartaglione says he found the note in a graphic novel. Epstein was placed on suicide watch after a prior attempt but was found dead in Metropolitan Correctional Center cell on August 9-10 2019, a death ruled suicide. A judge sealed the note as part of Tartaglione’s case. On April 30 2026 The New York Times petitioned Judge Kenneth Karas to unseal it.
Key Players & Numbers
Jeffrey Epstein – financier charged with a sex-trafficking network.
Nicholas Tartaglione – police officer, Epstein’s cellmate, serving four life sentences for a quadruple murder.
Judge Kenneth Karas – judge who sealed the note.
New York Times – outlet seeking unsealing.
Department of Justice – agency that has not seen the note.
William Barr – Attorney General who called Epstein’s death “appalled” and said it raised “serious questions that must be answered.”
The note has been sealed for seven years.
Timeline
- July 2019: Epstein’s suicide attempt; Tartaglione finds the note.
- August 9-10 2019: Epstein’s death ruled suicide.
- 2023: DOJ Inspector General report omits the note.
- December: DOJ releases Epstein files, none with the note.
- April 30 2026: The New York Times petitions Judge Karas to unseal the note.
Significance & Criticism
If genuine, the note could reveal Epstein’s mindset before his death and fill a gap in the federal probe. Its secrecy fuels calls for transparency and conspiracy theories about evidence handling.
Official Statements & Responses
Attorney General William Barr said he was “appalled” by Epstein’s death and that it raised “serious questions that must be answered.” A Justice Department spokeswoman said the agency has never seen the note and has made an effort to collect records. Judge Karas has not commented on the petition.
On-the-Ground Account
Tartaglione says he opened a graphic novel, found the yellow-paper note, and gave it to his lawyers, believing it could bolster his defense against accusations he harmed Epstein.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Tartaglione’s lawyers authenticated the note, but no explanation of the process is provided. DOJ files and the 2023 Inspector General report omit the note, leaving a gap in the record. Its authenticity remains unverified.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I opened the book to read, and there it was,” — Nicholas Tartaglione, cellmate
- “What do you want me to do, bust out crying? Time to say goodbye.” — Jeffrey Epstein (as recited by Tartaglione)
- “appalled” — William Barr, Attorney General
- “A Justice Department spokeswoman said the agency had not seen it.” — Justice Department spokeswoman
What's Next
The court will decide whether to lift the seal. A ruling could place the note into the public domain or keep it sealed, shaping future inquiries into Epstein’s death and broader evidence-handling practices in federal investigations.
