The Shocking & Mysterious Death of Teacher Ellen Greenberg

Introduction

Ellen Greenberg, a 27-year-old teacher, was found dead under mysterious and highly controversial circumstances. This case, over a decade old, continues to baffle investigators and stir public interest. Ellen's death, initially ruled a suicide, has been the subject of ongoing scrutiny and debate. This article delves into the details of Ellen's life, the events leading up to her death, the investigation, and the continuing quest for justice by her family.

Ellen's Background

Ellen Rae Greenberg was born on June 23, 1983, in New York City to Joshua and Sandra Greenberg. She was the cherished only child of a close-knit family. Ellen's parents described her as a happy, girly girl who loved spending time with her mother and had a bright future ahead. Ellen pursued her education with dedication, eventually becoming a first-grade teacher, a profession she was passionate about.

Meeting Sam Goldberg

In 2007, Ellen was set up on a blind date with Sam Goldberg, a television producer for NBC and later Golf.com. The couple hit it off, and after a few years of dating, they moved in together. Sam proposed to Ellen in June 2010, and by 2011, they were living in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, preparing for their upcoming wedding in August.

The Onset of Anxiety

Despite having what appeared to be an ideal life, Ellen began experiencing severe anxiety. She confided in her parents, expressing a desire to move back home, which was unusual given her recent engagement. Ellen attributed her anxiety to work-related stress, although her colleagues described her stress levels as typical for a teacher. Following her mother's advice, Ellen sought help from a psychiatrist.

The Day of the Incident

On January 26, 2011, a snow blizzard hit Philadelphia. Ellen left work early, filled her car with gas, and returned to the apartment she shared with Sam. By 6:40 PM that evening, Ellen was pronounced dead in her apartment with 20 stab wounds, including 10 to her back and neck. There were also 11 bruises on her body in various stages of healing.

Sam's Account

Sam Goldberg told police that he had gone downstairs to work out around 4:45 PM. When he returned, the door was locked from the inside with a latch, similar to those found in hotels. Unable to get in, he texted Ellen multiple times but received no response. His messages grew increasingly frustrated and aggressive. After failing to get a response, he attempted to kick in the door. When he finally managed to break in, he found Ellen's lifeless body on the kitchen floor.

The 911 Call

Sam's 911 call was frantic and disjointed. He described finding Ellen on the floor with a knife sticking out of her chest. The call operator instructed him to check for signs of life and perform CPR, but Sam was too distressed. The police arrived and pronounced Ellen dead at the scene.

The Investigation

The initial investigation by the Philadelphia Police Department deemed Ellen's death a suicide. They found no signs of forced entry, and the apartment appeared undisturbed. Ellen was found with a knife protruding from her chest, and the autopsy revealed multiple stab wounds. Three prescription medications were found in the apartment: Xanax, Klonopin, and Ambien. Ellen had a notebook in which she documented her mental state while taking these medications.

Family's Reaction and Initial Confusion

Ellen's parents were devastated and confused by the news of her death. They couldn't understand how their daughter, who seemed to have so much to live for, could have taken her own life. They found it hard to believe that Ellen, who had filled her car with gas on the way home, would plan to end her life.

Autopsy and Contradicting Findings

The autopsy revealed more stab wounds than initially reported, including deep wounds to her brain and spine. The medical examiner initially ruled the death a homicide. However, the Philadelphia Police Department later backtracked, stating that the manner of death was suspicious but not definitively a homicide.

Discrepancies and Theories

Several discrepancies and theories emerged during the investigation:
- Locked Door: The apartment was locked from the inside, raising questions about how an intruder could have exited.
- Text Messages: Sam's text messages to Ellen seemed aggressive and impatient.
- No Defensive Wounds: Ellen had no defensive wounds, suggesting she may have been incapacitated or caught off guard.
- Bruises: Ellen had multiple bruises in various stages of healing, indicating possible prior abuse.
- Conflicting Accounts: The security officer at the apartment complex contradicted Sam's account of events, stating he did not accompany Sam to the apartment door.

Expert Opinions

Various experts have weighed in on the case:
- Forensic Pathologist: A renowned forensic pathologist reviewed the case and concluded that the wounds were consistent with a homicide.
- Dr. Wayne Ross: He stated that the stab wounds to Ellen's brain and spinal cord would have caused severe pain and dysfunction, making it unlikely for her to have inflicted them on herself.
- Henry Lee: A forensic scientist, known for his work in the O.J. Simpson trial, also supported the homicide theory, citing the number and nature of the wounds.

Continued Pursuit for Justice

Ellen's parents have tirelessly fought for justice, believing their daughter was murdered. They have sought the help of various experts and the media to keep the case alive. In August 2022, the district attorney's office announced that they would reopen the case, providing a glimmer of hope for Ellen's family.

Conclusion

The death of Ellen Greenberg remains a perplexing mystery. Whether Ellen's death was the result of a severe mental health crisis or foul play, her family deserves answers. The reopening of the case offers a renewed opportunity for justice. Ellen's story serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges in seeking the truth in cases of mysterious deaths.

Call to Action

If you have any information about the death of Ellen Greenberg, please contact the Philadelphia Police Department. Her family continues to seek answers and justice for their beloved daughter.