A federal judge in New York has released a document described as a suicide note allegedly written by Jeffrey Epstein shortly before his death in 2019. The handwritten note includes the line: “It is a treat to be able to choose one’s time to say goodbye.”
How the Note Surfaced
According to court records, the note was reportedly discovered by Epstein’s former jail cellmate, Nicholas Tartaglione. Tartaglione later referenced the document publicly, but it only gained widespread attention after recent reporting revealed its existence.
Judge Orders Public Release
Kenneth Karas ruled that the document qualified as a judicial record connected to Tartaglione’s criminal case and therefore should be made public. The judge stated there was no legal reason to keep the note sealed.
Authenticity Still Unclear
Importantly, the court did not verify whether Epstein actually wrote the note. Judge Karas made clear that questions surrounding authenticity and chain of custody were not part of the decision to release the document publicly.
Contents of the Note
The handwritten message contains references to investigations and criminal charges against Epstein. In one passage, the writer appeared to express frustration over legal scrutiny and the possibility of imprisonment. The document was reportedly written on a yellow legal pad.
Epstein’s Death Remains Controversial
Epstein died in a Manhattan jail cell in August 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges involving minors. His death was officially ruled a suicide, though it has continued to fuel widespread speculation and conspiracy theories in the years since.
Renewed Public Attention
The newly released note has reignited public discussion surrounding Epstein’s final weeks in custody, particularly because the document reportedly never appeared in earlier releases of Epstein-related records by the Department of Justice.
Ongoing Questions
While the release of the note adds another layer to one of the most controversial criminal cases in recent memory, many questions remain unanswered. Legal experts say the document’s publication does not settle debates over Epstein’s death, but it is likely to intensify public interest once again.
