When 27-year-old teacher Ellen Greenberg was found dead in her Philadelphia apartment during a snowstorm in 2011, the discovery left the community stunned. She had suffered multiple stab wounds, and though the case was first treated as a homicide, the ruling was soon changed to suicide — a decision that continues to draw scrutiny. More than a decade later, officials have reaffirmed that same conclusion, reigniting heartbreak and frustration for Ellen’s family, who remain determined to seek further answers.
According to police reports, Ellen’s fiancé, Sam Goldberg, told investigators he had returned from the gym to find their apartment locked from the inside. When she didn’t respond to his calls or texts, he forced the door open and discovered her on the kitchen floor. Authorities noted there were no signs of forced entry or struggle, and building staff said no one else had entered the apartment. Initially, the assistant medical examiner listed the death as a homicide, but after discussions with law enforcement, the classification was changed to suicide — bringing the active investigation to a close.
Ellen’s parents, Joshua and Sandee Greenberg, have never accepted that outcome. Over the years, they have sought independent forensic reviews, pointing to the number and nature of Ellen’s wounds as inconsistent with self-inflicted harm. Several experts, including noted pathologists, have raised questions about the findings and suggested that further analysis may be warranted. Despite these efforts, city officials recently reaffirmed the original determination, leaving the Greenberg family deeply disappointed.
Their attorney called the decision “deeply troubling,” saying the family plans to pursue additional legal options in search of transparency. To Ellen’s parents, the fight has become about more than one case — it’s about ensuring that every investigation receives the thorough and open review it deserves. While the official ruling remains unchanged, their ongoing campaign continues to highlight broader questions about justice, accountability, and a family’s enduring love for their daughter.
