Ellen Greenberg’s death has once again been classified as a suicide by the Philadelphia Medical Examiner’s Office, according to various reports. This decision has reignited controversy, primarily due to the peculiar circumstances surrounding her death.
Greenberg, a 27-year-old first-grade teacher from Philadelphia, was found dead in her apartment on January 26, 2011, after returning home early during a snowstorm. Despite suffering from 20 stab wounds to her back, neck, and head, and being discovered with a knife in her chest, the ruling still affirms suicide.
Her fiancé, Samuel Goldberg, discovered her body after breaking down the door when she didn’t respond. He was never implicated or charged with any wrongdoing.
The case has sparked years of debate and legal battles as Greenberg’s family contended the death could not have been self-inflicted given the nature of her injuries. Recently, the family’s attorney, Joseph Podraza Jr., criticized the latest review, calling it a flawed justification for a predetermined conclusion. He highlighted alleged inaccuracies, such as a claim about a stab wound to her spinal column supposedly occurring during an autopsy, which is disputed by numerous experts.
Initially classified as a homicide in 2011, the cause was later changed to suicide following discussions between the assistant coroner and Philadelphia police. A reassessment was compelled by a settlement between Greenberg’s parents and the city after years of disagreement over the findings.
Greenberg’s family is persistent in their belief that the manner of death should be classified differently—possibly as murder—citing extensive evidence that contradicts the suicide ruling. They mention unexplained bruises, missing surveillance footage, and recommend further investigation into a toxic relationship she was involved in.
Despite the emergence of new reports asserting Greenberg could have inflicted her own injuries due to her struggles with anxiety, her parents remain unsatisfied. They assert there was no DNA from her fiancé on the weapon and no signs of a struggle at the scene. “The manner of Ellen Greenberg’s death is best classified as ‘suicide,'” the report concluded.
Podraza expressed frustration, stating that the report was an embarrassment to the city and an insult to Greenberg and her family. He affirmed their determination to uncover the truth, suggesting that they feel let down by Philadelphia law enforcement, yet they will continue to seek justice.
