The parents of Ellen Greenberg, a 27-year-old teacher, are fighting to overturn the ruling of suicide concerning their daughter's death, which occurred on January 6, 2011. Ellen was discovered with 20 stab wounds and a knife lodged in her chest, shocking details surrounding which have led her family to question the legitimacy of the official findings.
The Greenbergs recently appeared before Judge Michael Erdos, where they expressed their bewilderment at the ruling. "The fact the death certificate still lists the cause of death as suicide is puzzling," Judge Erdos remarked during the December 11 hearing. Their case highlights the family's quest for justice, marked by immense grief and persistent challenges against the authorities. The couple feels they are "advocates for her" and claim they are inching closer to the truth about their daughter's tragic end.
Ellen was found during severe weather, with her kitchen strewn about, including half-finished fruit salad on the countertop—a disturbing scene for anyone to digest. Sam Goldberg, her fiancé, initiated the gruesome discovery upon returning from the gym. After breaking down the door when attempts to contact Ellen failed, he was met with the unimaginable. His frantic text messages preceding the 911 call reflected panic, indulgence, and confusion.
Goldberg sent nine texts to Ellen between 5:32 p.m. and 5:54 p.m., such as "What r u doin?" and "You have no idea". He finally called 911 at 6:33 p.m., and when emergency services arrived, Ellen was pronounced dead. Initially, her death was categorized as homicide by the city's medical examiner, Dr. Marlon Osbourne, only to be reversed behind closed doors after police discussions.
Throughout the years, the Greenbergs have maintained their belief there was significant mishandling and foul play involved and point to numerous oddities surrounding the case. Sam Goldberg echoed these suspicions, commenting on the emotional turmoil and the narrative surrounding her death. "When Ellen took her own life, it left me bewildered. She was wonderful and had everything to live for... the attempts to create lies and distortions are despicable," he mentioned during his recent statements.
Another troubling aspect of the case involves the crime scene’s treatment. After Dr. Osbourne’s autopsy initially indicated homicide, the apartment was professionally cleaned before the police arrived. This has led the Greenbergs to question the competence of the investigation. Josh Greenberg lamented, “My daughter was being abused,” backing his belief with findings of bruises and old wounds indicative of past violence.
The constant fight to overturn the suicide ruling has seen the family embroiled in legal battles, including pending actions with the Pennsylvania Supreme Court set for deliberation later this year. The court will evaluate whether the parental executors have standing to challenge the classification on the death certificate. Joe Podraza, representing the Greenbergs, expressed cautious optimism. "We are challenging something cannot be challenged,” he highlighted, pondering the authority held by coroners and pathologists over death determinations.
Sandee Greenberg voiced her determination through all this turmoil, stating, "We're smiling, we're very optimistic... I hope we're making our daughter proud. There has been frustration, but we haven’t stopped fighting." A hopeful atmosphere characterizes their plea for justice, aiming to have the death labeled as undetermined or homicide instead, which they argue would not only validate their struggles but also pave the way for needed changes.
With very public interest and scrutiny surrounding this perplexing case, the Greenbergs are hopeful their continued battle will result not just in personal vindication but broader impacts on how such tragic circumstances are investigated and recorded. Their perseverance hints at larger issues within the systems meant to uphold justice and accountability. The case remains notable—both for its emotional weight and for the pressing injustices it suggests lie beneath.
Although they navigate these troubled waters, the Greenbergs’ commitment shines through, unrelenting against the tide of their tragic loss, and they stand firm behind Ellen’s name, asserting they will seek truth relentlessly.
