Ellen Greenberg // 173 // Part 4 // Mysterious death

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07/23/23 • 65 min

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On January 26th, 2011, Ellen Greenberg left work because Philadelphia was getting hit with a blizzard. She got back to her apartment where she lived with her fiancé Sam Goldberg and she was later pronounced dead that evening. She had 20 stab wounds, and her death was ruled a homicide, but the manner of death was reversed and officially ruled a suicide in February of 2011.
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On January 26th of 2011, Ellen Rae Greenberg left work early as a blizzard was going to hit Philadelphia. She was a first-grade teacher and she waited until all her students had left before she headed out and she gassed up her vehicle on the way home. She got back to her apartment that she shared with her fiancé, Sam Goldberg, who was a TV producer for NBC. Sam went to the gym for roughly 45 minutes and when he got back, the apartment door was locked with the swing latch, and he couldn’t get in. When he entered the apartment, he found Ellen, dead, sitting against the cabinets on the kitchen floor. She had 20 stab wounds and ten of them were to her back and neck and there were eleven bruises in various stages of resolution. Since Sam said the door was locked and there was really no way for someone to flee the apartment, this was ultimately ruled a suicide. There was a small amount of time that the medical examiner had this listed as a homicide, but after a secret meeting with the police, it was changed to suicide and the case was closed.
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Drinking The Cool Aid - Ellen Greenberg // 173 // Part 4 // Mysterious death

Transcript Summary

In this episode, titled "Ellen Greenberg // 173 // Part 4 // Mysterious Death," a gripping tale unravels surrounding the perplexing death of Ellen Greenberg. While the police initially deemed it a suicide, suspicious behaviors and unanswered questions arise. Sam, Ellen's partner, is handcuffed and taken for questioning, requesting an attorney immediately. The suicide theory lacks concrete evidence, as there were no drug or DNA tests performed on Sam. Furthermore, forensic analysis reveals that 11 of Ellen's wounds are inconsistent with self-infliction—an indication of a potential assailant. The investigation is plagued with mishandlings, from an officer sharing a photo of Ellen's body against protocol to missing interviews with first responders who believed it was a homicide. As you delve further into the episode, you'll witness the complexity of the case, including inconsistencies in Sam's 911 call, the peculiar movements of the weapon used, and unauthorized entry into the apartment. The consequences of incomplete autopsy reports and the premature cleaning of the crime scene add intrigue to this captivating mystery. For those seeking answers and a chance to grapple with the enigma surrounding Ellen Greenberg's death, this episode offers a compelling exploration into a case begging for justice.

Transcript

Recap of part 3: BioMX Corp used a 3D computer analysis to analyze the trajectory and depth of all 20 wounds and the report concluded, “Eleven posterior head and neck wounds sustained by Ellen Greenberg are not biomechanically consistent with self-infliction.” It says that they are “consistent with focalized stabbing by an assailant.”

The Greenbergs feel they have more than enough evidence to prove this was a homicide, but after numer

Ellen Greenberg // 173 // Part 4 // Mysterious death Top Questions Answered

What are some questionable actions taken by the police in the investigation of Ellen Greenberg's death?

Sam being handcuffed and taken for questioning despite the belief it was a suicide, the lack of crime scene photos, no drug or DNA tests conducted on Sam, and the absence of proper checks contribute to the questions surrounding the investigation.

What factors suggest Ellen Greenberg's death may have been a suicide?

The absence of defensive wounds and forced entry, Ellen's DNA being the only one found on the knife, her recent medication change, and multiple shallow stab wounds indicating hesitation are some factors suggesting suicide.

What factors suggest Ellen Greenberg's death may have been a homicide?

The positioning of the wounds, the swing bar door lock, the absence of food in Ellen's stomach, the absence of cuts on her hands, and an analysis indicating wounds inconsistent with self-infliction suggest a possible homicide.

What raised suspicion about Sam's behavior during the 911 call?

Sam's behavior during the 911 call raised suspicion, although specific details about his behavior are not provided.

What actions did Sam take after Ellen's death?

Sam stayed in touch with Ellen's family temporarily, but eventually got married, had a child, and changed his name.

What supports the belief that Ellen Greenberg's death was a homicide?

The Greenbergs believe they have enough evidence to prove Ellen's death was a homicide, including the missing neuropathologist report, analysis indicating wounds inconsistent with self-infliction, and the positioning of the wounds and knife.