NewsCBS News PoliticsMay 6, 2026United States
Judge releases document identified as Jeffrey Epstein's 2019 suicide note
A U.S. district judge has released a handwritten note attributed to Jeffrey Epstein, which was previously submitted as evidence in the criminal case of his former cellmate, Nicholas Tartaglione. The note, which contains phrases about his legal situation and personal state, was made public following a request by The New York Times.
Read the full story at CBS News PoliticsWhy It Matters
The release of this document provides new public information regarding the final weeks of Jeffrey Epstein, who died in federal custody in 2019 while facing federal sex trafficking charges.
Key Facts
- A U.S. district judge ordered the release of a note attributed to Jeffrey Epstein at the request of The New York Times.
- The note was submitted to the court in May 2021 as part of the criminal murder case for Nicholas Tartaglione.
- Tartaglione claims he found the note in a book the morning after Epstein's death and provided it to his lawyers for his appeal.
- The note was not mentioned in Bureau of Prisons records.
- The note contains the phrases: 'They investigated me for month — found nothing!!! So 15 year old charges resulted,' 'time to say goodbye,' and 'No fun — not worth it!!'
- On July 23, 2019, Epstein claimed he was attacked by Tartaglione, but former Attorney General Bill Barr testified this was viewed as an attempted suicide.
- Epstein was found dead in his cell at the Metropolitan Correctional Center on August 10, 2019; his death was ruled a suicide.
- In 2008, Epstein pleaded guilty in Florida to state charges of soliciting prostitution.
- In July 2019, a federal grand jury indicted Epstein on child sex trafficking charges.
Who's Mentioned
organizationJustice Department“Federal agency contacted for comment.”personBill Barr“Former Attorney General who testified regarding the July 23, 2019 incident.”locationU.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York“Court that ordered the release of the note.”organizationFBI“Federal agency contacted for comment.”personNicholas Tartaglione“Former cellmate of Epstein and defendant in a murder case.”organizationThe New York Times“Requested the release of the document from the court.”personJeffrey Epstein“Convicted sex offender who died in federal custody in 2019.”