The untold story of Jeffrey Epstein’s death
New evidence, new interviews and the fullest investigation yet
The New York Times Magazine
June 16, 2026

Today, the magazine published the fullest investigation to date into the death of Jeffrey Epstein. His death in federal custody in August 2019, which was ruled a suicide, has been the subject of suspicion and intrigue for nearly seven years.

Following the release of more than three million pages of documents and hundreds of hours of video under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, we found dozens of people connected to the case, many of whom had never been interviewed. We talked to inmates, jail employees, lawyers, federal officials and law enforcement officers connected with Epstein’s death. We partnered with our colleagues in the visual investigations and graphics departments to understand the makeup of Epstein’s jail cell and the area around it. We obtained Epstein’s own handwritten notes from jail, which had never been made public.

Our reporting provides the clearest, most comprehensive picture of Epstein’s death yet. Read the story now.

A view looking up at a correctional facility with two towers and a dark blue sky above.

Andrew Moore for The New York Times

Six Takeaways From the Times Investigation Into Epstein’s Death

We considered every plausible theory of his death, both official and otherwise, seeking out the most persuasive arguments and evidence for each.

By Charles Homans, Steve Eder, Jan Ransom and Michael Rothfeld

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Jeffrey Epstein’s Jailhouse Writings

The Times obtained handwritten notes, never before made public, that reveal his state of mind — including signs of suicidal thoughts — before his death.

By Charles Homans, Steve Eder, Jan Ransom and Michael Rothfeld

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