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Published 10:07 1 May 2026 BST
Updated 10:07 1 May 2026 BST
The cellmate of Jeffrey Epstein has revealed the details of the paedophile's possible suicide note.
Epstein died unexpectedly in custody while he was being held at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in Manhattan, New York in 2019.
He died in the lead-up to his high-profile trial for conspiracy and sex trafficking.
The convicted sex criminal was not under suicide watch at the time, although had been found injured and in a foetal position two weeks prior.
The death of the convicted paedophile raised suspicion among conspiracy theorists, particularly following revelations into failings at the Manhattan Correctional Center, which has now been temporarily closed.
A statement from the Manhattan US Attorney’s office added further confusion to Epstein's cause of death.
One statement is dated to 9 August 2019, while the standard account says the paedophile was found hanged in his cell at 6.30am on 10 August.
In the files, two versions of the statement exist which are dated to 9 August.
Neither of the statements detailed that Epstein died of "apparent suicide", unlike the officially released document.
Instead, both say he was "found unresponsive in his cell and pronounced dead shortly thereafter".
Additionally, Ghislaine Maxwell said that she did not believe Epstein died by suicide in a leaked audio.
"I do not believe he died by suicide, no", before adding that she also believes any theories that Epstein had been killed in order to keep him quiet are "ludicrous."
She said: "I also happen to think if that is what they wanted, they would've had plenty of opportunity when he wasn't in jail.
"And if they were worried about blackmail or anything from him, he would've been a very easy target."
New reports from the New York Times claim that a purported suicide note from Epstein has been locked in a New York courthouse for nearly seven years.
Epstein's cellmate, Nicholas Tartaglione, claims he discovered the note after the financier was discovered unresponsive in his cell in July 2019. He had a piece of cloth tied around his neck.
Epstein survived this incident, but was found dead in the jail weeks later.
A federal judge sealed this note as part of Tartaglione's own criminal case, meaning that Epstein investigators did not have access to the note.
Tartaglione recalls the note as saying it was “time to say goodbye". He also mentioned the note during a podcast appearance last year, but this is the first time he has revealed its contents.
He claims he found the note inside a graphic novel.
“I opened the book to read and there it was,” he said.
He recalled the note as saying something along the lines of: "What do you want me to do, bust out crying? Time to say goodbye.”
The New York Times, who first reported the story, say they have not seen the note. A representative for the US Justice Department also says they have not seen it.
However, records from Tartaglione's case claim that his lawyers authenticated the note, albeit without explanation as to how.
Tartaglione is a former police officer charged with quadruple homicide.
After Epstein was first found unresponsive in his cell, the convicted sex offender claimed Tartaglione had attacked him and said that he was not suicidal.
However, records reportedly show that Epstein told officials he “never had any issues” with Tartaglione a week after his initial accusation.
Tartaglione is serving four life sentences after being convicted in 2023. He maintains he is innocent and is pursuing an appeal.
If you’re struggling with suicidal thoughts or any mental health issues then you can contact Samaritans on 116 123. You can also contact Text About It, the free, anonymous, 24/7 messaging service. Text Hello to 50808 to begin.
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