A federal judge unsealed a purported suicide note from convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein on Wednesday, reviving public scrutiny of his 2019 death. The note, described as unverified and undated, was added to the court docket by Judge Kenneth Karas in a case concerning Epstein's former cellmate, Nicholas Tartaglione.
The disclosure comes amid persistent conspiracy theories about Epstein's death, which was officially ruled a suicide by the New York City medical examiner. The Justice Department and FBI, now led by Kash Patel—a former promoter of such theories—concluded last July that Epstein did die by suicide.
The note's authenticity remains uncertain, as it has not been independently verified. Tartaglione told the New York Times he found the document, though the circumstances of its discovery have not been detailed in court filings.
The unsealing adds a new layer to the ongoing legal and public discourse surrounding Epstein's death. Critics argue the release could further fuel misinformation, while transparency advocates say it may help resolve lingering questions.
Kash Patel's role heading the FBI during this release is notable given his past statements, though the bureau's conclusion on Epstein's cause of death remains unchanged.