An American federal judge has ruled that a note believed to be linked to financier Jeffrey Epstein should be released nearly five years after he was found dead in a New York jail cell. The note, which is allegedly a suicide note, was said to have been discovered by Epstein’s former cellmate Nicholas Tartaglione after he was found injured at a prison in July 2019. One part of the note allegedly read: “It is a treat to be able to choose one’s time to say goodbye.”
Why Did the Court Unseal Jeffrey Epstein’s Alleged Suicide Note?
The US District Court Judge, Kenneth Karas, directed that the document be made public following an application by the New York Times requesting for its disclosure. In the opinion of the judge, the document could be considered as a judicial document due to its submission in regard to Tartaglione’s criminal case. Karas added that there were no legal grounds for keeping the document sealed. “There is no compelling legal interest that justifies continued sealing of the Note,” he stated. Nevertheless, the judge pointed out that the court had not validated the genuineness of the document nor traced its chain of custody.
What Was Written in Jeffrey Epstein’s Alleged Handwritten Note?
The handwritten note, it was claimed, made some emotional declarations in relation to the criminal case filed against Epstein. “They investigated me for months – FOUND NOTHING!!! So 15 years old charges resulted,” the note had written.
“It’s such a privilege to be able to choose one’s own time to take their leave. What you want me to do? Cry! No fun, not worth it!” Another copy of the note that was leaked into public hands stated: “They investigated me for months – FOUND NOTHING!!!” The notes reportedly did not have a signature on them.
How Was the Jeffrey Epstein Note Discovered?
The letter came to light when Epstein was found injured in his jail cell in July 2019. It was later stated that the situation amounted to a suicide attempt. In addition, it was claimed in jail records that Epstein had developed redness and irritation of the skin in his neck. According to the reports from prison guards, Epstein had been breathing heavily but still conscious after the incident.
Later, a letter by a correctional officer to the Justice Department memo stated that Epstein had said Tartaglione had tried to kill him. Both Epstein and Tartaglione were interviewed by prison officials on July 31, 2019.
Nicholas Tartaglione Role in Jeffrey Epstein case
Tartaglione is an ex-cop who is now serving a life sentence due to his conviction for committing quadruple murder. Reports reveal that according to Tartaglione, Epstein was found unconscious within their joint jail cell after a suicide attempt allegedly made by Epstein.
This alleged letter was included within Tartaglione’s defense papers. News reports also claimed that Tartaglione’s lawyers engaged “handwriting experts” to examine whether the letter was written by Epstein or not. It is also reported that the letter was kept sealed for many years since it was connected to the appeal process of Tartaglione.
What Happened to Jeffrey Epstein in 2019?
Jeffrey Epstein passed away in August 2019, while facing federal charges for sex trafficking crimes. His death was ruled as a suicide by the chief medical examiner of New York City. Nevertheless, Epstein’s death remains subject to many rumors and conspiracy theories due to his association with some high-profile figures in society. Moreover, it was reported that Epstein himself denied being suicidal before his death.
