Parents of Deceased Daughter Challenge Suicide Ruling Despite 20 Stab Wounds and Bruises All Over Her Body
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The devastating loss of their daughter in 2011 continues to haunt Sandee and Josh Greenberg, who have vehemently contested the official ruling that deemed her death as suicide. Ellen Greenberg, a 27-year-old first-grade teacher, was tragically discovered in her Philadelphia apartment with 20 stab wounds and 11 bruises in various stages of healing.
Initially labelled as a homicide by Dr. Marlon Osbourne of the Philadelphia Medical Examiner’s Office, the classification of Ellen’s death was shockingly altered to suicide several weeks later, abruptly halting any further official investigation. The grieving parents have persisted in their pursuit of justice for their daughter, culminating in their participation in ABC News Studios’ upcoming crime docuseries ‘Death in Apartment 603: What Happened to Ellen Greenberg?’ set to premiere on September 29.
In a heart-wrenching interview with PEOPLE, Sandee and Josh shared the torment of dealing with Ellen’s untimely demise and the frustration of the unexplained change in the cause of her death. Their unwavering determination to seek the truth is palpable as they continue to challenge the authorities’ narrative. “We are just two parents who want the truth for our daughter. That’s it,” expressed Josh.
The Greenbergs’ relentless efforts led them to file lawsuits against the City of Philadelphia, urging officials to reclassify Ellen’s death as a homicide to facilitate a thorough police investigation. Last February, the lawsuits were settled with an agreement to reassess the original autopsy results. Dr. Osbourne himself acknowledged that the “manner of death should be designated as something other than suicide.”
As the city works to complete the reevaluation by October 14, the Greenbergs remain resolute in their quest for justice. Sandee shared, “That empowered Josh and I to dig deeper, look harder, find out more. And every step of the way, more things begin to unravel.” Nancy Schwartzman, the executive producer of ‘Death in Apartment 603: What Happened to Ellen Greenberg?’, commended the Greenbergs’ resilience in the face of adversity.
The docuseries aims to shed light on the complexities surrounding Ellen’s case and the community of supporters who rallied behind the grieving parents. Schwartzman highlighted the collective effort of experts who questioned the official narrative, stating, “This is not right. Based on our expertise, none of this adds up.” The Greenbergs’ unwavering resolve serves as a beacon of hope for those seeking justice in the face of tragedy.
As the premiere of ‘Death in Apartment 603: What Happened to Ellen Greenberg?’ approaches, the plight of the Greenberg family serves as a stark reminder of the resilience and perseverance required to challenge institutional determinations and seek the truth, no matter the obstacles. The journey of Sandee and Josh Greenberg stands as a testament to the enduring power of parental love and the relentless pursuit of justice in the wake of profound loss.