The parents of Ellen Greenberg, a Philadelphia teacher whose 2011 death was ruled a suicide despite her being found with 20 stab wounds, are pressing forward in their legal battle against local authorities. Dr. Josh and Sandee Greenberg allege a cover-up by officials and claim their daughter’s death was a homicide disguised as a suicide, according to court documents.
Ellen, 27, was discovered in her Manayunk apartment with a knife in her chest on the evening of January 26, 2011. At the time, she was planning her wedding with her fiancé, Sam Goldberg, who reportedly found her body after returning from the gym.
Before calling 911 at 6:33 p.m., Goldberg sent her a series of increasingly frustrated text messages, including, “What the f–k” and “You better have an excuse.” Goldberg, who has not been charged in connection with her death, recently broke his silence.
“When Ellen took her own life, it left me bewildered. She was a wonderful and kind person who had everything to live for,” he told CNN, denying any wrongdoing. He criticized accusations against him as “pathetic and despicable attempts to desecrate my reputation.”
The autopsy revealed 20 stab wounds, including 10 in her back, and bruises in various stages of healing, suggesting long-term physical abuse. Initial findings by Dr. Marlon Osbourne, the forensic pathologist for the Philadelphia Medical Examiner’s Office, classified the case as a homicide.
However, after a closed-door meeting with police, the ruling was changed to suicide—a decision that has since been widely criticized. Last week, during a December 11 court hearing, Common Pleas Court Judge Michael Erdos acknowledged concerns about the investigation.
“I don’t think anyone disagrees the crime scene should have been handled differently,” he said, noting that the cause of death listed as suicide remains “puzzling.” The Greenbergs’ lawsuit accuses city officials, including Osbourne, former Chief Medical Examiner Sam Gulino, retired Homicide Sgt.
Tim Cooney, and Homicide Det. John McNamee, of mishandling the case and intentionally causing emotional distress. Defense attorneys argue the lawsuit lacks merit and is barred by the statute of limitations.
Despite years of challenges, the Greenbergs remain determined. “We are getting closer to justice for Ellen,” Sandee Greenberg said. “We are very determined and not giving up.” Forensic experts and legal analysts continue to question the ruling, keeping the case in the spotlight as the Greenbergs fight for answers.