The legal fight to alter the manner of death ruling for Ellen Greenberg, a Philadelphia teacher who died under suspicious circumstances over a decade ago, is gaining momentum as new developments emerge. Greenberg was found dead with 20 stab wounds, which has sparked debate and controversy over the investigation and the subsequent ruling of her death.
On January 26, 2011, Ellen Greenberg, then 27 years old, was discovered by her fiancé inside their locked Manayunk apartment. Her death was initially ruled as homicide by Philadelphia Medical Examiner Marlon Osbourne due to the significant number of stab wounds; ten of which were found on the back of her head and neck. Yet, after police intervention questioning the initial findings, Osbourne changed the ruling to suicide, leaving her family devastated and determined to seek justice.
The Greenberg family has tirelessly fought to have Ellen's death ruled as homicide or at least undetermined, launching two civil lawsuits against the city—one alleging emotional distress due to purported mishandling of the investigation. With the jury selection for one of these cases starting next week, fresh evidence has emerged leading Osbourne to reverse his previous conclusion.
According to reports from WPVI, Osbourne recently stated, "It is my professional opinion Ellen's manner of death should be designated as something other than suicide." This dramatic shift stems from new evidence and questions about the integrity of the original investigation. Osbourne elaborated on these factors, asserting concerns over whether Ellen's fiancé was seen entering the apartment before the 9-1-1 call was made and whether her body was disturbed post mortem.
Echoing these sentiments, attorneys representing the Greenbergs expressed their relief and hope upon learning of the medical examiner's revised stance, declaring, "To us, it means we’ve accomplished our role; Ellen did not commit suicide. After 14 years, the original pathologist acknowledges her death should not be considered suicide but rather something else." This statement reinforces the family's long-standing belief and relentless quest for clarity and justice.
Witness accounts surrounding the events of January 26, 2011, have also come under scrutiny. Samuel Goldberg, Ellen’s fiancé, claimed to have returned from the gym shortly before discovering her body and breaking down the door. Notably, records indicate he made several calls to family members prior to alerting authorities, raising questions about the timeline. Goldberg has consistently maintained he had no role in Ellen's death, and investigators have yet to suspect him of foul play.
Further complicate matters, Emily Greenberg experienced more than just the physical trauma indicative of violent death, as CNN reported on findings of multiple bruises on her body, occurring over several days. These revelations mirror the family's assertion of Ellen's murder and starkly contradict the suicide narrative. The forensic examinations reveal glaring inconsistencies and discrepancies from the initial assessment, fueling the family's urging for reevaluation of the findings.
Past investigative inadequacies have led to calls for procedural reform within the Philadelphia Police Department. The Greenbergs assert the investigation was fraught with neglect and mismanagement, and literature detailing their response outlines how local procedures failed to deliver justice for Ellen.
The case of Ellen Greenberg not only touches on personal tragedy but also casts light on broader systemic failures within the procedural mechanisms used for death investigations. Dr. Marlon Osbourne's potential upcoming testimony, along with others involved, signals pivotal shifts for families advocating for transparency and accountability within autopsy rulings.
Throughout these developments, Ellen Greenberg's parents, Josh and Sandee Greenberg, have remained resolute. Currently residing in Florida, they have pursued court actions to compel city authorities to amend the ruling, insisting upon her murder. While the Chester County District Attorney’s Office previously deemed they could not prove beyond reasonable doubt of homicide, the Greenbergs are unwilling to let go, fueled by hope as trials loom closer.
The upcoming jury selection will mark yet another chapter for this family who have faced years of pain and uncertainty. This case has evolved from one focused on procedural scrutiny to becoming emblematic of how justice can falter when the system's checks and balances are called to question.
Although the results of these trials remain uncertain, the acknowledgment from the original medical examiner of the potential misclassification of Ellen's manner of death stands as a hopeful step forward. With the truth hanging on the balance, the Greenbergs press on, ready to confront the hurdles they have faced, determined to restore their daughter’s legacy.