In a surprising turn of events, the pathologist who initially concluded Ellen Greenberg’s death as a suicide has changed his stance, reigniting the debate surrounding this 2011 case.
Fourteen years ago, Ellen Greenberg, a 27-year-old schoolteacher, was discovered deceased in her Philadelphia apartment. Despite the alarming evidence of 20 stab wounds and multiple bruises, authorities ruled her death a suicide. Greenberg’s family, however, has been steadfast in their belief that she was murdered, pushing for a reevaluation of the case.
After years of persistent efforts by her parents, including numerous lawsuits and an online petition, the pathologist who performed Greenberg’s autopsy, Dr. Marlon Osbourne, has reconsidered his earlier conclusion. Osbourne recently stated that he no longer believes Greenberg killed herself, after analyzing new information in the case. While he initially ruled the death a homicide, law enforcement convinced him to amend the ruling to suicide, resulting in a closure that the Greenbergs could not accept.
The family’s attorney has confirmed a settlement with Osbourne and a separate lawsuit against city officials, alleging a conspiracy to cover up a murder, is also resolved, resulting in a monetary payment to the Greenbergs. Notably, Dr. Osbourne’s revised stance could catalyze a long-desired criminal investigation into Greenberg’s death.
From the start, inconsistencies plagued the case. Ellen’s fiancé, Sam Goldberg, reported her death via a 911 call, describing an unsettling scene and asserting she fell on a knife. However, initial police actions contributed to lingering doubts, as they released the scene without a thorough crime investigation, which resulted in the loss of potential evidence when the apartment was cleaned.
Several experts have since scrutinized the case. Dr. Cyril Wecht, renowned pathologist, found the situation suspicious and more indicative of homicide. Discrepancies in accounts of the apartment door being locked from the inside and phone records further fueled skepticism about the suicide ruling.
Philadelphia city spokesperson, Ava Schwemler, indicated that the Medical Examiner’s Office would revisit the case, though city officials did not admit liability. This development is a significant victory for Greenberg’s parents, who have long sought justice for their daughter.
Dr. Osbourne, no longer holding a Pennsylvania medical license or position at the Philadelphia Medical Examiner’s Office, acknowledged he cannot officially amend the death certificate. Yet, his recent declarations have opened the door to renewed investigations, satisfying the Greenbergs’ pursuit of closure and justice.
After years of relentless advocacy from her family, Ellen Greenberg’s case may finally receive the scrutiny it deserves. With Dr. Osbourne revising his findings, new avenues for investigation might emerge, offering hope for resolving a long-standing mystery.
