Parents' 15-Year Quest for Truth in Daughter's Disputed Death
Sandee and Joshua Greenberg have spoken exclusively to the Daily Mail's Trial USA podcast about their relentless 15-year search for answers regarding the controversial death of their daughter, Ellen. The case, which has been mired in conflicting rulings and unanswered questions, continues to haunt the family as they push for justice.
The Tragic Discovery and Controversial Ruling
Ellen Rae Greenberg, a 27-year-old elementary school teacher from Philadelphia, was discovered deceased in her securely locked apartment back in 2011. The scene was horrific, with the young woman sustaining over 20 stab wounds to her head, neck, and torso. Initially, the Philadelphia Medical Examiner's Office classified the death as a homicide following an autopsy. However, in a surprising turn of events just weeks later in February 2011, the ruling was abruptly changed to suicide after police authorities challenged the original findings.
New Evidence and a Sworn Statement
For over a decade, Ellen's parents have engaged in a persistent struggle with city officials to have the suicide ruling overturned and the investigation reopened. Their efforts reached a significant milestone in 2024 when Dr. Marlon Osbourne, the medical examiner who originally conducted Ellen's autopsy, provided a sworn statement. In this declaration, Dr. Osbourne stated he no longer believes her death was a suicide, casting serious doubt on the official conclusion.
Forensic Experts Challenge the Suicide Theory
Multiple independent forensic specialists have examined the evidence and concluded that the wounds inflicted on the back of Ellen's head and neck were physically impossible for her to have self-inflicted. One particularly devastating injury had severed her spinal cord, which would have caused immediate paralysis, rendering her incapable of continuing to harm herself. Furthermore, at least one of the injuries was determined to have occurred post-mortem, a circumstance that completely contradicts a suicide scenario.
Key Forensic Findings:- Wounds to the back of the head and neck deemed impossible to self-inflict
- Spinal cord injury causing instant paralysis
- At least one post-mortem injury identified
The Fiancé's Account and Parental Doubts
At the time of her tragic death, Ellen was residing with her lawyer fiancé, Samuel Goldberg, aged 43. Goldberg reported that he was at the gym when the incident occurred. Upon returning home, he claimed the apartment door was locked from the inside using a swing latch. After waiting outside for approximately 45 minutes to an hour, he stated he forced entry by breaking down the door.
Sandee and Joshua Greenberg have expressed deep skepticism regarding Goldberg's version of events. They believe that police investigators accepted his account without conducting a comprehensive and thorough examination. It is important to note that Samuel Goldberg has never been officially named as a suspect and has not faced any criminal charges in connection with Ellen's death.
Allegations of Investigative Failures
Joshua Greenberg has made serious allegations about the handling of the crime scene. 'Police never did a thorough examination of that apartment,' he claimed. 'They came back with a search warrant three days after. Crime scene cleaners had already scrubbed the scene. There were no yellow retainer strips - saying don't go here, don't go there. The crime scene was open.'
He further described disturbing incidents where personal belongings were removed from the apartment without the family's consent. 'I hate to use a specific name, but Sam sent his uncle to the apartment to get him clothes for the funeral. The uncle also took Ellen's computers, handbags, car keys and other personal items. He did not have permission from us to touch or take that. We always felt that was weird because as a lawyer, you would know not to remove things from a crime scene.'
Psychiatric Evidence and Personal Questions
The Greenbergs have obtained notes from Ellen's psychiatrist which contradict the suicide ruling. Joshua revealed, 'Ellen's psychiatrist had written in her notes, which we obtained later on, that our daughter was not suicidal. She was suffering from anxiety. If you have anxiety, you don't commit suicide.'
Sandee added poignant questions that remain unanswered: 'We would like to know exactly what happened that day. Why was Ellen not wearing her engagement ring? Was she planning on leaving?' She also described awkward interactions with Goldberg after Ellen's death: 'After Ellen passed, Sam would check in with me and we would have conversations. I would say to him: 'Sam, we know this isn't a suicide.' There would then be an awkward silence.'
Federal Investigation and Renewed Hope
In a significant development in January 2026, it emerged that the US Attorney's Office has launched an investigation into potential corruption concerning how multiple agencies handled Ellen's case. Reports indicate that subpoenas have been issued to Philadelphia police, prosecutors, and the medical examiner's office.
This federal involvement has given the Greenbergs renewed optimism. Sandee expressed, 'That fact that the case is out of corrupt Pennsylvania is very encouraging. It may lead to something, but I can't predict the future.' She revealed feeling 'more optimistic than ever before' since learning of the federal probe, despite acknowledging the enormous personal toll their 15-year search has taken.
Expert Consultation and Historical Context
Early in their quest for answers, the Greenbergs consulted Dr. Cyril Wecht, a renowned specialist in homicide review who worked on the JFK assassination investigation. Joshua recounted, 'We knew something was wrong… we contacted Dr. Cyril Wecht. He came back to us with suspicions of homicide. He also told us that women do not usually use methods that are painful to kill themselves. If you research women who have committed suicide, you will not find anyone who has stabbed themselves.'
The full details of Ellen Greenberg's case are available on the Trial USA podcast, which provides a comprehensive breakdown of this complex and troubling investigation.
