Pathologist Changes Ruling, Reinforces Family’s Fight For Ellen Greenberg Justice

PHILADELPHIA — Fourteen years after Ellen Greenberg, a 27-year-old teacher, was found dead in her Philadelphia apartment, a pathologist who initially ruled her death a suicide has reversed his stance. This development brings renewed hope to Greenberg’s family, who have long maintained their daughter was murdered.

Dr. Marlon Osbourne, the pathologist who performed Greenberg’s autopsy, signed a document Friday stating that, after considering new information, he no longer believes Greenberg killed herself. Greenberg’s parents reached a settlement over the weekend resolving their claims against Osbourne, ending a lengthy battle.

Monday, as a jury selection was about to begin in a separate lawsuit filed by the Greenbergs against Philadelphia city officials, the remaining parties reached a settlement. The Greenbergs alleged a conspiracy to cover up Ellen’s murder.

Philadelphia spokesperson Ava Schwemler stated that while the city officials do not admit liability, the Greenbergs will receive a monetary payment, the amount of which will be disclosed later. Additionally, the city’s Medical Examiner’s Office will re-examine Greenberg’s case.

“We’re very excited,” Greenberg’s mother, Sandee, told CNN. “I mean, never in my wildest dreams did I think anything like this was gonna happen.”

These developments pave the way for what the Greenbergs have sought all along: a criminal investigation into Ellen’s death. Will Trask, one of their attorneys, confirmed, “This is what they’ve been fighting for.”

Osbourne’s attorney, Marc Bailkin, declined to comment except to confirm that the statement attributed to Osbourne is authentic.

Greenberg’s death occurred on January 26, 2011. Her fiancé, Sam Goldberg, called 911, stating that he found Ellen dead on the floor with blood everywhere. While initially mentioning a knife, Goldberg later claimed she fell on one. Dr. Osbourne, during the initial autopsy, noted numerous stab wounds and bruises, leading him to rule the death a homicide. However, Philadelphia police treated it as suicide from the outset.

Investigators dismissed the possibility of foul play, citing the closed door, claiming Ellen locked herself inside. They released the scene without calling the Crime Scene Unit, allowing potential evidence to be washed away.

Following consultations with law enforcement, Osbourne amended the death certificate to “suicide,” officially concluding Ellen Greenberg took her own life. Despite this, Greenberg’s parents refused to accept the ruling, seeking expert opinions that supported their belief.

Noted pathologist Cyril Wecht deemed the case “strongly suspicious of homicide,” while a crime-scene reconstructionist suggested Ellen’s body had been moved. Another pathologist, Wayne Ross, pointed out a neck muscle hemorrhage indicative of strangulation and noted bruises consistent with repeated beating.

Questions arose about the closed door, as apartment manager Melissa Ware stated it didn’t definitively prove Ellen locked herself in, suggesting it might have swung shut. Security guard accounts contradicted Goldberg’s statement, adding to the inconsistencies.

After years of persistent advocacy, the pathologist’s reversal brings Ellen Greenberg’s case closer to justice. With a renewed investigation, the truth surrounding her tragic death may finally be revealed.