In a significant development regarding the case of Ellen Greenberg, the Philadelphia Medical Examiner’s Office has reaffirmed its ruling that her death in 2011 was a suicide. Greenberg, a 27-year-old schoolteacher, was found in her kitchen with over 20 knife wounds, sparking debates and legal battles that have persisted for over a decade.
Details of the Case
Greenberg was discovered on January 26, 2011, by her fiancé, Sam Goldberg, who promptly called 911. The initial ruling by the medical examiner classified her death as suicide, a conclusion strongly contested by her parents, Josh and Sandee Greenberg. They believed she was murdered and advocated for a more thorough investigation, even launching a petition that gained 167,000 signatures.
Recent Findings
In a recently issued 32-page report, Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Lindsay Simon affirmed the suicide ruling. She noted that, at the time of her death, Greenberg was experiencing significant anxiety related to her teaching duties. Simon observed that some wounds on Greenberg’s body were indicative of “hesitation wounds,” which can precede a fatal injury.
Injuries and Evidence
- Greenberg sustained numerous knife wounds, including one to her neck.
- No defensive wounds or signs of struggle were found in the apartment.
- Goldberg’s DNA was not present on the weapon used.
- The timeline of events provided by Goldberg was supported by various forms of evidence, including surveillance footage and text messages.
Public Outcry and Legal Battles
The Greenbergs have expressed dismay at the reaffirmed suicide ruling. An attorney for the family, William Trask, criticized the Medical Examiner’s report as flawed and biased. He cited evidence that he believes contradicts the suicide conclusion, including the possibility that not all wounds could be self-inflicted and other factors surrounding the case.
Settlement and Further Investigations
This year, as part of a legal settlement over another lawsuit, the Medical Examiner’s Office re-examined Greenberg’s case. While this led to a review of the evidence, Philadelphia officials did not admit any liability. The Greenbergs also settled a suit against Dr. Marlon Osbourne, the original pathologist, who had initially classified the death differently but later amended his findings.
As the Greenberg family continues their pursuit of justice, they remain determined to challenge the conclusion reached by Philadelphia’s authorities.
