A United States federal judge has ordered the release of a document described as an alleged suicide note written by late financier and convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein. The handwritten note was reportedly found after Epstein's first suicide attempt in July 2019, but its authenticity has not been verified.
US District Judge Kenneth Karas in White Plains, New York, ruled to unseal the note after The New York Times reported on the document and sought its release. The note was allegedly discovered by Epstein's former jail cellmate, convicted murderer and ex-police officer Nicholas Tartaglione, in a graphic novel following Epstein's first suicide attempt.
The note, scribbled on a yellow legal pad, reads: "They investigated me for months — FOUND NOTHING!!! It is a treat to be able to choose one's time to say goodbye." It also states: "Watcha want me to do — Bust out cryin!!" and concludes with "NO FUN" and "NOT WORTH IT!!" The note is undated, unsigned, and does not bear Epstein's name.
Judge Karas determined that the note qualifies as a judicial document subject to public access because it was submitted in connection with Tartaglione's criminal case. He found no legal reason to keep it sealed but did not attest to its authenticity or assess its chain of custody. Federal prosecutors did not oppose the release.
In a related development, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick faced sharp questions from a congressional committee about a visit to Epstein's private island in 2012. Lutnick admitted to the visit but claimed he could not recall why he went there. Committee Chairman James Comer stated that Lutnick was not entirely truthful about the visit and warned that lying to Congress is a felony.
Lutnick is the highest-ranking administration official, besides President Donald Trump, to be named in the Epstein case files. Trump has consistently denied any knowledge of Epstein's crimes and claims to have severed ties years ago. The House Oversight Committee is continuing its probe into the network surrounding Epstein.
Source: www.dw.com