Handwriting in Two Epstein Jail Notes Shows Common Authorship, Experts Say

Loading article...

Handwriting in Two Epstein Jail Notes Shows Common Authorship, Experts Say | AirNews

Three forensic handwriting experts who reviewed notes from Jeffrey Epstein's jail confinement have concluded that they were almost certainly written by the same person, based on matching letter formations, spacing, punctuation, and stylistic patterns. The notes, one discovered after Epstein's first suspected suicide attempt in July 2019 and the other found in his cell after he died in August 2019, both contain underlined phrases reading 'NO FUN' and end with similarly curved double exclamation points, among other shared traits.

The first note, recently unsealed following a court order, was said to have been found by Epstein's cellmate, Nicholas Tartaglione, in a book after Epstein was found with a bedsheet around his neck on July 23, 2019. It includes the phrase 'They investigated me for month - found nothing!!!' and references choosing the 'time to say goodbye.' The second note, previously shown on '60 Minutes' and held in federal files, lists complaints about jail conditions, including showers, food, and 'Giant Bugs,' echoing concerns Epstein voiced to prison staff.

Grace Warmbier and Bart Baggett, both former forensic document examiners, ruled out Tartaglione as the author after comparing his known writings, including a 2019 note to the New York Daily News. Thomas Vastrick, president of the American Society of Questioned Document Examiners, said Tartaglione's handwriting shows inconsistencies but could not be definitively excluded. The Justice Department has not confirmed Epstein's authorship due to a lack of verified handwriting samples.

The unsealing of the first note followed its mention on a podcast by Tartaglione, prompting a New York Times reporting effort that led to a May 6, 2026, court order for its release. The note had been held in a sealed criminal case file and was not included in official investigations into Epstein's death. Authorities have not reopened the case based on the new analysis.

The findings add to scrutiny over the circumstances of Epstein's detention and death, though no official action has been announced. The court will consider further evidence submissions in the unrelated Tartaglione case on June 10, 2026.