Ellen Greenberg’s Parents Respond to Medical Examiner Affirming Stabbing Death as Suicide: ‘Shocked and Determined’
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Ellen Greenberg’s tragic death in 2011, where she was discovered with over 20 stab wounds, has been an ongoing source of grief and confusion for her parents, Sandee and Josh Greenberg. The couple has been relentless in their pursuit of justice for their daughter, initially contesting the ruling of suicide and pushing for the investigation to be classified as a homicide or left undetermined.

The Philadelphia medical examiner’s recent reevaluation of Ellen’s case has once again concluded that her death was a suicide, a decision that has left her parents reeling. In an exclusive interview with ABC’s Nightline co-anchor Juju Chang, Sandee Greenberg expressed her shock at the ruling, describing the impact as being “kicked in the stomach” and feeling utterly speechless upon reading the 32-page report detailing her daughter’s tragic demise.
Despite this setback, the Greenbergs remain resolute in their pursuit of the truth surrounding Ellen’s death. Sandee Greenberg highlighted that their fight for justice is far from over, and their love for their daughter remains unwavering. The couple’s unwavering determination to seek justice for Ellen underscores the depth of their love and loyalty as grieving parents.
The harrowing night of January 26, 2011, forever altered the trajectory of the Greenberg family’s life when Ellen’s fiancé, Sam Goldberg, made the grisly discovery of her lifeless body in their Philadelphia residence. The autopsy revealed a horrifying tally of 20 stab wounds, including injuries to critical areas such as the head, neck, spine, and heart, alongside a disturbing record of 11 bruises indicative of prior trauma.
The initial ruling by Assistant Philadelphia medical examiner Dr. Marlon Osbourne classified Ellen’s death as a homicide, only to be abruptly reversed to suicide following a subsequent meeting with law enforcement. This perplexing turn of events prompted the Greenbergs to pursue legal action against the City of Philadelphia, culminating in a settlement that mandated a reevaluation of the case by the current Chief Medical Examiner, Dr. Lindsay Simon.
After reviewing expert testimonies commissioned by the Greenbergs, including renowned forensic pathologist Dr. Cyril Wecht, Dr. Simon ultimately upheld the suicide ruling. Despite the family’s exhaustive efforts to challenge this outcome, Dr. Simon stood by her assessment, citing the absence of conclusive evidence implicating foul play in Ellen’s tragic passing.
The emergence of the Hulu docuseries, “Death in Apartment 603: What Happened to Ellen Greenberg?” shed light on the complexities of the case, with forensic experts dissecting the evidence to unravel the circumstances surrounding her death. However, even with the mounting questions and expert perspectives presented in the documentary, the final determination by the medical examiner remained unchanged.
In the face of this heartbreaking verdict, the Greenbergs’ attorney, Joseph Podraza, reiterated their unwavering commitment to seeking justice for Ellen, stressing the need for a comprehensive reevaluation of the evidence. The unresolved nature of Ellen’s case continues to haunt her family, stirring profound emotions of loss, frustration, and a resolute determination to uncover the truth behind her untimely passing.
As the Greenbergs navigate the painful aftermath of Ellen’s death, their steadfast resolve to honour her memory and seek justice serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring love and bond between a parent and child. The quest for closure and accountability in the wake of tragedy stands as a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
