A federal judge in New York unsealed a note purportedly written by Jeffrey Epstein on Wednesday, May 6, in response to a petition filed by the New York Times.
The document, described as barely legible and written in poor handwriting, dates to July 2019, following Epstein’s first apparent suicide attempt while in custody at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in Manhattan.
Epstein’s former cellmate, Nicholas Tartaglione, a convicted murderer and former police officer, reported finding the note tucked inside a graphic novel in their shared cell. Tartaglione provided it to his lawyers as evidence that he had not harmed Epstein during the July incident.
The note was later verified as having been written by Epstein, according to the New York Times. “It had remained sealed as part of Tartaglione’s legal proceedings and was not included in earlier releases of Epstein-related documents.”
“They investigated for month — found nothing!!! So 16 year old charge results!” the barely legible note, which appeared to have been scribbled on a peace of paper, reads. It is a treat to be able to choose one’s time to say goodbye. Watcha want me to do — burst out crying!! NO FUN — not worth it!!”
The text refers to an investigation that yielded no findings and mentions a “16 year old charge,” likely alluding to aspects of Epstein’s prior legal matters. The tone suggests acceptance of the situation and a decision regarding timing.
🚨 Epstein’s apparent suicide note, unsealed today at the request of @nytimes.
“They investigated me for months. Found NOTHING!!
It is a treat to be able to choose one’s time to say goodbye.
Watcha want me to do- Bust out cryin!!
NO FUN–NOT WORTH IT!!” https://t.co/LS5z1AnCFV pic.twitter.com/5ysv3OIjN1— David Enrich (@davidenrich) May 6, 2026
Epstein was arrested on July 6, 2019, on federal sex-trafficking charges. Days later, on July 23, he was found in his cell with marks on his neck consistent with an apparent suicide attempt. He was soon placed on suicide watch, then removed after evaluation.
On August 10, 2019, he was found unresponsive in his cell and pronounced dead. The New York City Chief Medical Examiner determined the cause of death to be suicide by hanging.
The circumstances surrounding Epstein’s mysterious death prompted significant scrutiny.
Epstein was housed alone in the Special Housing Unit after his cellmate was removed. Guards failed to conduct required checks every 30 minutes, and two cameras near his cell malfunctioned that night
The two officers on duty were later charged with falsifying records but reached deferred prosecution agreements after completing community service and other requirements. These procedural failures contributed to ongoing questions about the conditions at the facility.
Multiple examinations examined Epstein’s death in the following years.
A 2023 report from the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General identified serious operational failures at the Metropolitan Correctional Center but found no evidence of criminality beyond the guards’ misconduct.
In July 2025, the Department of Justice and FBI issued a memo summarizing an exhaustive review of investigative materials. The agencies reaffirmed that Epstein died by suicide, citing consistency with the 2019 autopsy, prior U.S. Attorney’s Office findings, the Inspector General’s report, and video footage from the common area of the Special Housing Unit showing that anyone entering Epstein’s tier would have been recorded.
The memo also stated there was no evidence of a “client list” or blackmail operation involving powerful individuals, and no basis for additional charges against third parties.
