When 27-year-old teacher Ellen Greenberg was found dead in her Philadelphia apartment in 2011, the case shocked the nation.
She had been stabbed 20 times in the neck, chest, and head, with the knife still lodged in her body. Initially ruled a homicide,
the case was quickly — and controversially — changed to suicide, a decision still disputed by her family.
Ellen’s fiancé, Sam Goldberg, told police he found their apartment locked from the inside after returning from the gym.
When he broke in, Ellen was on the kitchen floor. Authorities noted no signs of forced entry or struggle,
leading to the suicide ruling. However, the switch came only after a private meeting between police and the medical examiner.
Her parents, Joshua and Sandee Greenberg, have never accepted the verdict. They argue Ellen couldn’t have inflicted such injuries
herself and that her bruises and wounds indicate foul play. Independent experts, including Dr. Cyril Wecht and Dr. Wayne Ross,
concluded the injuries were inconsistent with suicide and showed possible strangulation.
Despite renewed review, officials reaffirmed the suicide ruling, devastating Ellen’s family. They continue their legal fight, believing Ellen
planned to leave her fiancé that day. Their persistence has made her case a national symbol of justice, truth, and accountability.