A purported suicide note by Jeffrey Epstein has remained sealed in a New York courthouse for nearly seven years, despite the recent release of millions of pages of Epstein-related documents. Cellmate Nicholas Tartaglione discovered the note in July 2019 after Epstein was found injured in his jail cell, weeks before his death by hanging. The note, which reportedly said "time to say goodbye," could provide critical insights into Epstein's state of mind before his death.

The Manhattan federal judge sealed the note as part of Tartaglione's separate criminal case for quadruple homicide. Legal experts note the timing creates transparency questions around Epstein's controversial death, which spawned numerous theories about potential foul play. Justice Department officials have acknowledged they never saw the note, raising questions about whether investigators had access to all relevant evidence.

The New York Times has petitioned the judge to unseal the note, which Tartaglione claims was authenticated by handwriting experts. The document's continued secrecy stands in contrast to the Justice Department's release of millions of Epstein files since December. Federal transparency advocates argue the public has a right to examine this piece of evidence, particularly given Epstein's high-profile connections and unusual death circumstances.