In 2011, a tragic event unfolded in Philadelphia. Ellen Greenberg, a 27-year-old schoolteacher, was found dead in her apartment, stabbed over 20 times. The medical examiner ruled it a suicide, but her parents, Josh and Sandee Greenberg, were adamant that it was murder.
Their journey for the truth has been long and painful. They filed multiple lawsuits, generated an online petition with 167,000 signatures, and even inspired a Hulu documentary series, Death in Apartment 603. Recently, the pathologist who did Ellen’s autopsy changed his stance, saying he no longer believes she took her own life.
Despite this, the Philadelphia Medical Examiner’s Office reaffirmed its original finding. Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Lindsay Simon released a 32-page report stating that Ellen’s death should still be classified as a suicide. She highlighted that Ellen had been dealing with anxiety over her teaching job.
One aspect of the case is the unusual pattern of Ellen’s wounds. Some were described as “hesitation wounds,” which may suggest self-infliction. However, at least one wound was to her neck, raising questions. Simon concluded that Ellen was capable of inflicting these injuries herself.
Ellen was found by her fiancé, Sam Goldberg, who immediately called emergency services. Early in the investigation, suspicion fell on him. However, the medical examiner found no evidence of abuse in their relationship, and Goldberg’s DNA was not found on the weapon. His account of that night matched phone records and surveillance footage, suggesting he had nothing to hide.
Dr. Simon based her conclusions on various sources—autopsy results, police reports, photographs, and expert testimony. Yet, this decision has not silenced the Greenbergs. Their attorney strongly criticized the medical examiner’s recent report, calling it flawed. William Trask argued that it ignores crucial evidence, like the lack of surveillance footage and the nature of Ellen’s relationships.
Trask expressed his disappointment, insisting that the truth is still out there and that they will continue their fight for justice. “This report is an embarrassment,” he said, emphasizing their desperate search for answers.
Interestingly, mental health issues are common in today’s society. Over 40 million Americans deal with anxiety daily. The Greenbergs point out that just because someone struggles with mental health doesn’t mean they would take such drastic actions.
Earlier this year, the medical examiner’s office agreed to revisit Ellen’s case as part of a settlement with her parents. They also received a payment, but Philadelphia officials did not admit any fault.
The emotional turmoil surrounding this case highlights ongoing issues in laws governing how deaths are investigated. Ellen’s family continues their quest for clarity, preparing for whatever avenues may lie ahead.
This tragic story serves as a reminder of the importance of thorough investigations. The pressure on medical examiners to reach conclusions must never overshadow the pursuit of truth and justice.
