Ellen Greenberg's Death: 20 Stab Wounds and a Shocking Ruling
When 27-year-old first-grade teacher Ellen Greenberg was found dead in her Philadelphia apartment in January 2011, the scene was nothing short of chilling. She had suffered 20 stab wounds and bore 11 bruises in various stages of healing across her body. Yet, despite this gruesome evidence, her death was initially ruled a homicide — only to be mysteriously reclassified as a suicide several months later. This swift change effectively shut down any further official investigation, leaving a trail of unanswered questions and a family desperate for justice. For 14 years, Ellen's parents, Sandee and Josh Greenberg, have fought tirelessly to reopen the case. Their quest for truth is now the focus of the Hulu and ABC News docuseries "Death in Apartment 603," which delves into the baffling circumstances surrounding Ellen's death and the systemic failures that followed.
A Scene That Defies Explanation
On January 26, 2011, Ellen's fiancé, Sam Goldberg, made a frantic 911 call after breaking into their locked Philadelphia apartment. He found Ellen lying on the kitchen floor with a 10-inch kitchen knife protruding from her chest. The autopsy revealed a staggering 20 stab wounds, including injuries to the back of her head and back, alongside 11 bruises in various stages of healing. Initially, the Philadelphia Medical Examiner's Office ruled the death a homicide, a conclusion that aligned with the severity and nature of the wounds. Variety reports that this homicide ruling was made during Ellen's funeral.
However, just days after the police removed Ellen's body, a professional cleaning company was brought in to wipe down the kitchen where she died — a move that raised eyebrows among experts and family alike. Then, in a stunning reversal, the medical examiner's office changed the ruling to suicide four months later. This reclassification closed the door on any criminal investigation, leaving the Greenbergs and many others baffled and outraged.
The Fight for Truth
Sandee and Josh Greenberg refused to accept the suicide ruling. They embarked on a relentless 14-year journey to uncover what really happened to their daughter. Their efforts included hiring independent experts, filing lawsuits, and pushing city officials to reopen the case. In 2019, they sued the City of Philadelphia, demanding that the manner of death be changed back to homicide to allow for a proper investigation. The lawsuit was eventually settled in early 2025, with the city agreeing to reevaluate the original autopsy. In a significant development, Dr. Marlon Osbourne, the original medical examiner, signed a statement asserting that the "manner of death should be designated as something other than suicide," as reported by PEOPLE.
The Greenbergs' fight is not just about legal battles; it's a deeply personal quest to honor Ellen's memory and seek justice. Sandee described the initial suicide ruling as a devastating blow, likening it to having the air knocked out of her lungs. The family's story is a poignant reminder of how grief and determination can fuel a search for answers, even when official channels seem closed.
Experts Question the Suicide Ruling
The Hulu docuseries "Death in Apartment 603" brings together a community of forensic experts, journalists, and former law enforcement officials who scrutinize the evidence and the investigation's shortcomings. Forensic pathologists featured in the series express disbelief that a case involving 20 stab wounds, including 10 to the victim's back, could be ruled a suicide. They highlight the presence of "textbook strangulation marks" on Ellen's neck and wrists, injuries inconsistent with self-inflicted harm, as reported by Variety.
One expert noted that in their experience, no one had ever stabbed themselves in the back, a fact that alone casts serious doubt on the suicide conclusion, Variety reports. Furthermore, the bruises in various stages of healing suggest a possible history of domestic violence, adding another layer of complexity to the case. These findings raise critical questions about the thoroughness and integrity of the original investigation.
A Case Mired in Errors and Silence
The investigation was plagued by what the docuseries and experts describe as a "snowball effect" of errors and a lack of accountability, as reported by Variety. The decision to clean the crime scene so soon after the body was removed is one glaring misstep. Additionally, Sam Goldberg's uncle reportedly took Ellen's computer from her bedroom without permission, further complicating the chain of evidence. These actions, whether intentional or accidental, contributed to a compromised investigation and a lack of accountability.
Despite repeated requests, key officials, including the Philadelphia Police Department, Medical Examiner's Office, Attorney General's Office, and District Attorney's Office, declined to participate in the documentary or provide interviews. Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro, who inherited the case, reaffirmed the suicide ruling in a 2019 press conference, citing additional evidence that, in his view, supported that conclusion, according to Variety. Shapiro reportedly declined interview requests for the docuseries.
What's Next for Ellen Greenberg's Case?
In a dramatic turn, Dr. Osbourne reversed his position, now stating that Ellen was killed, not a victim of suicide. This reversal coincided with the family's civil lawsuit and has prompted the Philadelphia Medical Examiner's Office to agree to a new review of the case. A judge has ordered the city to complete this reevaluation by October 14, 2025, according to PEOPLE, offering a glimmer of hope that the truth may finally emerge.
The Hulu docuseries not only chronicles the Greenbergs' fight but also humanizes Ellen, portraying her as a vibrant young woman who loved life and was deeply cherished by her family and friends. The series aims to shed light on the systemic failures that allowed such a baffling ruling to stand for so long and to inspire viewers to question how justice is served in complex cases.
References: Their Daughter's 2011 Death Was Ruled a Suicide - Even Though She Had 20 Stab Wounds and Bruises All Over Her Body | Hulu Docuseries Reexamines Death of Teacher Found Stabbed 20 Times | Ellen Greenberg documentary premieres as case ruling reversed
