New Mexico authorities have reopened an investigation into explosive allegations tied to Jeffrey Epstein’s former Zorro Ranch property, after newly reviewed federal documents prompted state officials to take another look at claims that two bodies were buried in the hills outside the sprawling estate.

The office of Raúl Torrez confirmed that the renewed inquiry follows a review of recently unsealed materials connected to Epstein’s case. According to state officials, a prior probe into the burial claims was closed in 2019 at the request of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, which was then handling federal charges against Epstein. However, new information emerging from the latest tranche of DOJ records has led state authorities to reconsider.

The 2019 Email Allegation

At the center of the renewed investigation is a 2019 email sent to a New Mexico radio host shortly after Epstein’s death in federal custody. The anonymous sender claimed to be a former employee of Zorro Ranch and alleged that two foreign girls had been buried “somewhere in the hills outside the Zorro.”

The message further alleged that the girls had died by strangulation during what the sender described as “rough, fetish sex.” The email also claimed the existence of videos taken from Epstein’s home that purportedly showed him engaged in sexual acts with minors. In exchange for the material, the sender reportedly demanded one bitcoin as payment.

The radio host later told reporters he believed the email appeared credible and immediately forwarded it to the FBI. Federal authorities have not publicly confirmed the authenticity of the claims, nor whether any physical evidence was ever located at the property.

State Seeks Unredacted Records

Last week, New Mexico’s Justice Department formally requested access to an unredacted copy of the 2019 email, as well as the sender’s identifying information, transmission data, routing records, timestamps, and related communications. The request was sent to U.S. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, as part of a broader effort to examine all unredacted records referencing Zorro Ranch.

State officials have indicated that the earlier decision to close the case may have been procedural, tied to federal jurisdiction at the time. With Epstein deceased and federal proceedings concluded, New Mexico authorities appear intent on independently verifying whether any of the burial allegations have merit.

Legislative Action: A Bipartisan Committee

In a rare display of unanimity, the New Mexico state legislature voted Monday to create a bipartisan special committee tasked with probing “Zorro Ranch and the related allegations of criminal activity.” Lawmakers cited public concern and the need for transparency as justification for the measure.

The formation of the committee signals that the issue has moved beyond rumor and into formal state oversight, even as no confirmed evidence has yet substantiated the burial claims.

The Ranch’s New Owner

Zorro Ranch, located roughly 30 miles outside Santa Fe, was one of several high-profile properties owned by Epstein. In 2023, the ranch was purchased by former Texas state senator and businessman Don Huffines, who has said he intends to convert the property into a Christian retreat.

Huffines has publicly stated that proceeds from the sale went toward compensating Epstein’s victims. He has not been implicated in any allegations connected to the ranch’s prior ownership and has emphasized his intent to repurpose the land for faith-based activities.

A Case That Refuses to Close

Epstein’s 2019 death in federal custody officially ended criminal proceedings against him, but questions surrounding his associates, properties, and alleged activities have persisted. Each new document release appears to reopen old wounds and revive unresolved claims.

At this stage, the allegations of buried bodies remain unproven. State officials have not announced any confirmed excavation plans or physical findings. But by reopening the investigation, New Mexico authorities have signaled that even years later, the shadow surrounding Zorro Ranch is not fully dispelled.

Whether the renewed inquiry uncovers new evidence—or simply lays to rest long-circulating rumors—remains to be seen.