The fiancé of Ellen Greenberg, a Philadelphia teacher whose 2011 death was ruled a suicide despite 20 stab wounds and numerous bruises, has spoken publicly for the first time. This comes as Greenberg's parents, Josh and Sandee, continue their legal battle to overturn the suicide ruling, arguing their daughter's death was a homicide.
The Greenbergs recently attended oral arguments in their civil suit against local officials and the medical examiner's office, whom they accuse of a cover-up. They also have a separate lawsuit seeking to change the manner of death on Ellen's death certificate to either "homicide" or "undetermined." Sandee Greenberg expressed determination to find justice for their daughter.
Ellen Greenberg and Sam Goldberg (Greenberg family)
While the Greenbergs and various forensic experts contest the suicide ruling, Ellen's fiancé, Sam Goldberg, maintains his belief that she took her own life. In a statement to CNN, Goldberg described his devastation and criticized those who question his account, attributing their doubts to ignorance and misinformation. He urged focus on mental health awareness.
Ellen Greenberg and Sam Goldberg (Greenberg family)
Ellen Greenberg, a bride-to-be, was found dead in her kitchen with 20 stab wounds, including 10 to her back, during a blizzard in January 2011. Goldberg stated he discovered her body after returning from the gym and forcing entry into their apartment. Initially, the medical examiner ruled her death a homicide, but later changed it to suicide after a private meeting with police.
Outside investigators said the damage shown to the lock on Greenberg's apartment door is inconsistent with the report that it had been kicked in from the outside. (Tom Brennan)
The Greenbergs have previously alleged that Ellen was a victim of abuse, citing bruises on her body documented in the autopsy report. They also claim she had expressed a desire to leave her apartment with Goldberg and return to her family home shortly before her death. A psychiatrist who treated Ellen diagnosed her with anxiety but noted no suicidal ideations.
Ellen Greenberg was a 27-year-old Philadelphia teacher whose 2011 death was ruled a suicide after she was found with 20 stab wounds and covered in bruises. (Ellen Greenberg's family)
Renowned forensic pathologist Dr. Cyril Wecht, who reviewed the autopsy before his passing in May, deemed the evidence "strongly suspicious of homicide." The Greenbergs also question the handling of the crime scene, alleging that Goldberg's uncle, Pennsylvania judge James Schwartzman, removed items from the apartment before police completed their investigation. Schwartzman claims he had police permission to retrieve Greenberg's belongings.
Following an independent investigation, the Chester County District Attorney's Office stated they are currently unable to file criminal charges, but the case remains open. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has agreed to hear the Greenbergs' appeal. Philadelphia police have not commented, citing the ongoing legal proceedings.
Ellen Greenberg with her parents Dr. Josh and Sandee Greenberg (The Greenberg family)
