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.
https://www.drinkingthecoolaid.com/
Resources:
- Me-Inv-RPT.pdf (documentcloud.org)
- The Vidocq Society: Serving law enforcement since 1990
- Suicide Or Murder: What Happened to Ellen Greenberg? | Crime News (oxygen.com)
- Ellen Greenberg died by ‘suicide’ with 20 stab wounds. Her parents are out to prove that’s impossible (msn.com)
- Parents’ $500K investigation of Pa. woman’s ‘suicide’ uncovers clues they say point to murder - pennlive.com
- Modern analysis of 2011 death finds Pa. teacher’s 20 stab wounds were likely from ‘assailant’ - pennlive.com
- Petition · Justice for Ellen Rae Greenberg · Change.org
- Parents of Ellen Greenberg believe new evidence submitted to the Philadelphia Attorney General's Office will prove their daughter's 2011 death was murder, not suicide (nbcnews.com)
- Friend of woman whose 'suicide' is now being reevaluated missed a call from her before she died | Daily Mail Online
- The Prosecutors Podcast – Two prosecutors take on the toughest cold cases.
- Fundraiser by Friends of Greenberg Family : Justice for Ellen (gofundme.com)
- (1) The Murder of Ellen Greenberg | Part 3 | The 911 Call - YouTube
- Ellen Greenberg - Case Documents and Details - Gavin Fish
- Big Mad True Crime: Murder or Suicide? - The Mysterious Death of Ellen Greenberg on Apple Podcasts
Explicit content warning
07/23/23 • 65 min
5 Listeners
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.
What inconsistencies arose in the ruling of Ellen Greenberg's manner of death?
Contradictory information about who was present at the time of Ellen's death led to changes in the ruling of her manner of death.
How was the crime scene of Ellen Greenberg's death processed?
The crime scene was processed quickly, and no luminol testing, which detects traces of blood, was conducted.
Was any evidence tampered with in Ellen Greenberg's case?
James Schwartzman, Sam's uncle, removed evidence from the apartment before it could be properly investigated.
What further actions are Ellen Greenberg's family seeking?
Ellen's family seeks a closer examination and amendment of the death certificate to reflect a cause of death other than suicide.
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