October 31, 2025 • 53 mins
In January of 2011, 27-year-old first-grade teacher Ellen Greenberg came home early from work and was found dead hours later on her kitchen floor by her fiance. She had twenty stab wounds covering her body, ten of them to the back of her neck and head, and a ten-inch knife buried deep into her heart. The Medical Examiner called it suicide. Ellen's parents have spent fourteen years and over $800,000 proving that's impossible. Renowned forensic experts find evidence of wounds inflicted after death, a crime scene was cleaned before investigators could properly examine it, and a fiancé who called his attorney uncle before calling 911. Ellen was planning her wedding, loved her students, and didn't like the sight of blood. Can someone really stab themselves ten times in the back of the head? And if Ellen didn't kill herself, why won't Philadelphia call it murder?
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Sources:
- Hulu Documentary: "Death in Apartment 603: What Happened to Ellen Greenberg?"
- https://www.cnn.com/2025/10/13/us/ellen-greenberg-death-philadelphia-cec
- https://edition.cnn.com/2025/02/03/us/ellen-greenberg-philadelphia-case-update-cec
- https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2024/01/us/ellen-greenberg-mystery-dg
- https://www.foxnews.com/us/ellen-greenberg-case-pennsylvania-woman-found-dead-20-stab-wounds-ruled-suicide
- https://www.foxnews.com/us/pennsylvania-teacher-found-stabbed-20-times-ruled-suicide-parents-fight-justice
- https://www.inquirer.com/news/ellen-greenberg-suicide-ruling-philadelphia-parents-lawsuit-20250210.html
- https://www.inquirer.com/news/ellen-greenberg-death-suicide-philadelphia-lawsuit-20241217.html
- https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/ellen-greenberg-case-philadelphia-suicide-ruling
- https://www.oxygen.com/crime-news/ellen-greenberg-death-ruled-suicide-despite-20-stab-wounds
- https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/ellen-greenberg-case-pennsylvania-supreme-court
- https://lawandcrime.com/high-profile/ellen-greenberg-case-pennsylvania-supreme-court-to-hear-case
- https://people.com/ellen-greenberg-death-investigation-timeline
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:01):
You're listening to Reverie True Crime, your gateway to the
darkest corners of human nature, where we expose the hidden
truths of human depravity. These harrowing stories serve as a
sobering reminder to keep our senses keen and our awareness
sharp for predator's lurk in unexpected places, patiently waiting and observing.
(00:24):
Join us as we unravel mysteries, explore motives, and seek
justice for victims. As we bring awareness to these cases,
listener discretion is advice.
Speaker 2 (00:38):
Hello, and welcome to Revere True Crime. I'm your host page.
Before we begin today's episode, I want to give you
a warning. This case is very disturbing, not just because
of the violence, but because of what happened after. What
(00:59):
you're about to hear is the story of a young
woman whose death was ruled one way by medical examiners
and another way by nearly every independent expert who's examined
the evidence. This is a case that will make you
question everything you thought you knew about death investigations, Who
(01:20):
decides the truth, and what happens when a family refuses
to accept an answer that makes no sense. This is
part one of a two part series on the case
of Ellen Greenberg. Let's get started. It's January twenty sixth,
(01:43):
twenty eleven, and a nor'easter is tearing through Philadelphia, blanketing
the city in white. Schools are closing early, people are
rushing home before the roads become impassable. In the mana
young neighborhood in a modern high rise called Venice Lofts,
overlooking the Scugl River at four six oh one Flat
(02:06):
Rock Road, a twenty seven year old first grade teacher
named Ellen Greenberg is heading home from work. She's made
sure all of her students got rides home safely. She
stops for gas at a station on Umbria Street, topping
off her tank so her fuel lines won't freeze in
(02:27):
the storm. By one twenty six pm, according to her
credit card records, she's done at the gas station and
heading to Apartments six O three, the sixth floor unit
that she shares with her fiance. Five hours later, Ellen
will be found dead on her kitchen floor with twenty
(02:50):
stab wounds to her body, ten of them to the
back of her neck and head, and a ten inch
serrated kitchen knife buried four inches deep into her chest,
penetrating ten centimeters into her heart. The Philadelphia Medical Examiner
will call it suicide. Ellen's parents will spend the next
(03:12):
fourteen years or more fighting that impossible conclusion. This is
the story of Ellen Greenberg, a case that asks a
question so fundamental it seems absurd. Can someone stab themselves
twenty times and have it called suicide? And if the
(03:33):
answer is no, then what really happened in Apartment six' oh?
Three Ellen Ray greenberg was born On june twenty, third
nineteen eighty, three In New York. City she was the
only child Of josh And Sandy, greenberg their precious, daughter
the one they'd always hoped. For The greenbergs had wanted
(03:57):
a big, family but medical complication Meant ellen would be
their only, child so they poured everything into. Her in
nineteen ninety, four When ellen was, eleven the family moved
From New york To, Harrisburg, pennsylvania Where sandy had. Roots
(04:17):
josh was a periodontist And sandy worked as a dental.
Hygienist ellen naturally had perfect white, teeth but there was
something else perfect About ellen her. Spirit friends of family
describe her as, bubbly, loving and, compassionate the kind of
(04:38):
person who brought people together from completely different. Worlds camp,
friends high school, friends college. Friends they all became friends
themselves because Of. Ellen sandy later, said, quote she was
a really, fun, adorable very, loving bubbly young woman with
(04:59):
a bright future ahead of. Her ellen Attended Susquehanna Township,
schools where she played. Tennis like her mother and grandmother before,
her she was a girly, girl friend, said someone who
didn't like getting dirty and who didn't like the site of.
Blood At Penn State, University ellen majored in communications and
(05:24):
worked as a, lionizer introducing football players and their parents
to the, campus even helping out on the. Field she
Loved Penn. State she loved the, energy the, community and the.
Tradition she was close with her friends From Penn, state
so close that they all remained friends with each other
(05:47):
because of. Her ellen had that gift of bringing people
together from completely different. Worlds, Initially ellen thought she might
become a speech, pathologist but after graduating From Penn, state
she realized that wasn't her, calling so she Attended Temple
university And Chestnut Hill college at night to earn her teaching.
(06:11):
Credentials she'd found her purpose teaching first, grade working with
young children who were just beginning their educational. Journey by twenty,
Eleven ellen was teaching At Juniata Park academy In. Philadelphia
her students adored. Her she used creative methods to engage young,
(06:34):
minds and she was exactly where she wanted to be
in her career and her personal life that seemed equally.
Promising in two thousand and, Seven ellen Met Sam goldberg
through a mutual friend on a blind. Date sam was
a television, producer, ambitious, organized high. Energy he worked in
(06:59):
sports per first FOR Nbc sports In, connecticut then For
Comcast sportsnet And. Philadelphia they dated for three. Years in
the summer of twenty, ten during a trip To, California
sam proposed To ellen on the. Beach she said. Yes
(07:20):
they set their wedding date For august, thirteenth twenty, eleven
at The Hotel hershey In, Hershey. Pennsylvania save the day
cards went. Out ellen was planning the details with her,
friends shopping for bridesmaid. Stresses the couple moved to a
sixth floor apartment At Venice loft's In, maniunk a two
(07:43):
bedroom with sweeping views of the. City everything from the
outside looked perfect beneath the, surface something was. Changing in
the fall of twenty, Ten ellen started a new teaching.
Position the transition was harder than she had. Expected she
(08:04):
was feeling overwhelmed and stressed between the demands of a
new job and the pressure of wedding. Planning ellen began
experiencing significant. Anxiety her Friend Erica, hamilton who had Known
ellen since they were kids and went To Penn state,
together noticed the. Change ellen reached out to her often
(08:28):
Because erica had dealt with similar. Anxiety erica, recalled, quote
she had reached out to me a lot BECAUSE i
had dealt with that same thing end. Quote ellen started
seeing a psychiatrist and was prescribed klonopin and ambient for
anxiety and. Insomnia but there was something odd about their.
(08:52):
Conversations erica, Said ellen seemed worried about. Confidentiality she was
concerned that her therapist might break patient. Confidentiality. Quote there
was a point where she had gotten really concerned about
the counselor breaking. CONFIDENTIALITY i, Said, ellen you can go
(09:15):
into that therapist and tell them anything you want. To
the only time that they would have to break confidentiality
is if you had this grand plan to hurt yourself
or hurt somebody else end. Quote that led to the
only direct conversation they ever had about self. Harm erica, said,
(09:37):
QUOTE i specifically remember point blank asking, her do you
feel that stressed? Out that you are having those kind of?
Thoughts and she. Laughed she was, like, no absolutely, NOT
i just feel anxious end. Quote ellen sent text messages
to her friends and family in those final. Months On january,
(10:01):
eighth twenty, eleven she texted her, mother, Quote i'm starting
the MAD i know you don't, understand BUT i can't
keep living with feeling this. Way another text to her parents,
SAYS i want to leave this, place get me. Out
but her psychiatrists would later tell police That ellen was
(10:23):
happy in her. Relationship there were no signs of abuse
and no suicidal, ideations just managed, anxiety the kind that
forty Million americans. Experience ellen was, also according to multiple,
friends excited about her. Wedding she was looking forward to
(10:45):
marriage and starting a. Family she loved, children this was her.
Dream On, Saturday january twenty, second twenty, eleven four days
before her, Death ellen went dressed shopping with a close
friend for bridesmaid's. Dresses while they were, Shopping ellen began.
(11:06):
Crying she, apologized Quote i'm so. SORRY i Know i'm not,
myself But i'll get it together end. Quote was this
anxiety about, work about the, wedding or something. Else three days,
later On january twenty, Fifth ellen received a text from
(11:29):
a friend asking if she would be getting out early
the next day because of the impending. Snowstorm ellen, replied thank,
goodness she had no idea those would be among her
last words On january twenty, sixth twenty. Eleven it was A.
Wednesday the northeaster everyone had been tracking was. There Ellen
(11:55):
greenberg went to work that morning At Juniata Park, academy
but by midday the snow was falling. Heavy schools Across
philadelphia were closing. Early at, Noon ellen texted a, friend, quote,
yeah are you getting out? Early at one fifteen, Pm
(12:16):
ellen left. Work she stopped for gas at a station
On Umbria, street not far From Venice. Lofts she was being,
careful making sure her tank was full so her fuel
lines wouldn't. Freeze by one six, pm according to her
credit card, Records ellen was done at the gas. Station
(12:40):
she headed home To apartment SIX o Three that. Afternoon
around four forty five, Pm Sam goldberg left their apartment
to go to the. Gym Venice lofts had a gym
on the first floor of the. Building security footage shows
him entering the gym at a proxy ley for fifty
(13:01):
four thirty seven. Pm fifteen seconds after five point, thirty
security footage Shows sam leaving the. Gym this is where
the timeline becomes crucial and. Contested according To sam's, account
when he returned to the sixth floor around five thirty,
(13:22):
pm he found the apartment door secured with a swing
bar latch from the. Inside this is the kind of
latch you might find in a hotel, room a security
bar that prevents the door from opening even if you
have a. Key the door to apartment SIX so three
was tan colored with the number SIX so three clearly,
(13:45):
visible and A jewish prayer and a glass container a
mozuza was affixed to the right of the. Doorframe sam
said he used his, key but the door wouldn't open
more than a. Crack he, knocked and he Called ellen's.
Phone he sent text Messages, hello open the. Door i'm getting.
(14:07):
Pissed what the? Fuck he emailed. Her he shouted through
the crack in the door and still no. Response for
the next, Hour sam says he tried desperately to Reach.
Ellen he went back down to the. Lobby he called her.
Repeatedly he Texted, ellen please let me. In at approximately
(14:32):
six o'clock, Pm sam consulted With Philip, hanton the security
guard on. Duty hanton Called ellen's phone twice at six
oh seven and six.' ten still. No Answer then sam
made two critical phone calls before he called nine to.
(14:54):
One one at six twenty, Six pm sam called, his
cousin Came in schwartzman and put him on speaker so,
His Uncle james schwartzman could. Listen in both men. Are
attorneys james wasn't just. Any attorney he was A prominent philadelphia,
(15:15):
defense attorney a, former prosecutor and at, that time the
vice chairman Of the Board of DIRECTORS. Of septa he
would Later Become president judge Of The pennsylvania Court Of,
judicial discipline the court responsible for hearing judicial misconduct cases across.
The State, the schwartzman's according to their, later account through their,
(15:40):
own Attorney told sam to ask the security guard. For
help when that, didn't work they advised him to break down.
The door at six point thirty. Two pm security Footage
shows sam entering the. Elevator alone at sixty three. P
m sam called nine, One, ONE oh i.
Speaker 3 (16:05):
RETTING out I just i just walk into. My part
my gances on the floor with? Blood everywhere what is
forty Six One Flat? Rock road? Please come oh One Flat?
Rock road is it the house?
Speaker 4 (16:19):
Or?
Speaker 3 (16:19):
Apart, oh no, well no it's? The apartment? What? Apartments come?
Please hurry please.
Speaker 4 (16:27):
Be BLEEDING from i.
Speaker 3 (16:29):
DON'T know i can't.
Speaker 4 (16:30):
Tell you does you have to calm yourself down in
order to get you?
Speaker 3 (16:34):
Some help, I'm sorry. I'm SORRY she i. Don't know
i'm looking at her. Right NOW she. I don't i can't.
See anything shouldn't there's, nothing broken, She'd.
Speaker 4 (16:43):
Blease ellie you don't know where she's? Bleeding From camp ellie's.
COMING from i think.
Speaker 3 (16:48):
HER head i think she hit. HER head i think all.
Everywhere everywhere she might.
Speaker 4 (16:54):
Have fallen you know.
Speaker 3 (16:55):
What happened she may have slipped his blood on the on.
The table he is a. Little, purple okay hold on
for rescue.
Speaker 4 (17:03):
For her say on the phone Four to lucia, that no.
Speaker 3 (17:19):
Forty six Oh One Flat, rock road please.
Speaker 4 (17:21):
Hurry forty six one.
Speaker 3 (17:23):
Flat, wap yes. That's ALL like I just i went
downstairs to. WORK out i came. Back up the door
was lashed like, fiance's inside. It wasn't she, Wasn't answering
so after about a HALF hour i decided to break.
IT down i see, her now just on the floor.
With blood she's not she's. Not, responding okay. She breathing
(17:45):
look at.
Speaker 4 (17:45):
HER chest i need you to, calm DOWN and i
need you to look at.
Speaker 3 (17:48):
Her chest IT'S really i don't THINK she i really
don't think she listened.
Speaker 4 (17:51):
To me someone's on. The way look at. Her chest
if she flat on, her back she's on.
Speaker 3 (17:55):
Her back look at her chests and tell.
Speaker 4 (17:57):
Me if it's going up, and down up.
Speaker 3 (17:59):
AND down i don't see.
Speaker 4 (18:00):
Her.
Speaker 3 (18:01):
Moving okay do you know how TO? DO cpr. I, Don't.
Speaker 4 (18:04):
Okay i'm gonna tell you what.
Speaker 3 (18:05):
To.
Speaker 4 (18:05):
Do okay and so they, GET there i want you to.
Speaker 3 (18:07):
Keep her, phones, hello, yeah, Hi okay well in TO
do cpr with me over. The phone SO they i have,
To write.
Speaker 4 (18:14):
Okay to get her flat on, her bank bear her
chest an you want her?
Speaker 3 (18:18):
For?
Speaker 4 (18:18):
Sure okay steel down by?
Speaker 3 (18:22):
Her side oh, My, god ellie.
Speaker 4 (18:24):
Please listen you can't.
Speaker 3 (18:26):
Freak, Out okay i'm trying Trying to her shirt won't
come off into. The zipper she stands herself where she's sell?
To knife, oh no her nice? Sticking out what is
it nice sticking out? Of? Her, hut oh she. Stands,
HERSELF okay. I GUESS so i don't know where she's fell.
ON it i.
Speaker 4 (18:45):
Don't, Know, okay well don't.
Speaker 3 (18:46):
Touch, it OKAY so i just let her? Do HERE not,
i mean WHAT do? I? DO no i mean.
Speaker 4 (18:51):
You can't is it nicer than? Her chest it's going
to be kind of hard for YOU to dcpr at.
Speaker 3 (18:55):
This time, Oh no oh. My goodness, okay police.
Speaker 4 (18:59):
Ah operator, Seven seven yes they are, you said forty
six one foot? Right, Right, yes okay someone's on the
way and the knife is still inside wait sure what
the knife is still inside?
Speaker 3 (19:12):
Of? HER yes i didn't take it out her chest
or what air? Is it it's like it looks like
it's it looks like it's right in.
Speaker 4 (19:20):
Her, heart okay someone's on the way.
Speaker 3 (19:23):
Out, there okay you Just get oh, my god oh.
My god old she's, twenty seven.
Speaker 4 (19:28):
Twenty seven there's no sign. Of life.
Speaker 3 (19:30):
AT all, i, don't, no please. Don't pee what been
trying to?
Speaker 4 (19:35):
Her arm it's some mean she was fine To, pain kelly.
Speaker 3 (19:42):
She's not it's not her arm and her hands are.
STILL warm i know if. That means but it's BLOOD every,
I mean, i know but.
Speaker 4 (19:47):
You can't and the knife is still inside. Of her
how far can you see how far it?
Speaker 3 (19:51):
Went in it looks. Pretty, deep okay it. Looks three
it's the. Long nights don't touch it if you don't.
Speaker 4 (19:57):
Touch anything i'm not.
Speaker 3 (19:58):
TOUCHING anything i can't believe. This though, oh wait it
was you here. With, her yeah we're the only. Ones
here and she ran in the. Door shut, NO NO
i i went downstairs to, work out AND when i came,
back up the door was lashed like it was, you
know it wasn't, like it, you know it was like
locked from. The Inside and i'm yelling and, yelling, no,
(20:24):
no no, no no it's no kind of a, breaking
no no tign of a breaking. IT all i mean
there will be when you, get HERE because i had
to break. The lash but to get, in.
Speaker 4 (20:34):
Okay forty six ye Flat rock and this is, a,
house right it's.
Speaker 3 (20:37):
An apartment fire. Record apartment oh, My god oh. My god,
all right. Thank you.
Speaker 2 (20:47):
Help was on. The way medics arrived at six thirty.
Six pm They found sam seated in the sixth floor
hallway outside, the apartment wearing A blue t shirt and.
Gray sweatpants in side apartments six, so three They Found
ellen greenberg slumped against the, kitchen cabinets her head and
(21:10):
shoulders propped against the lower cabinet doors near. The stove
the apartment was well, kept clean a two bedroom unit
with modern appliances and. Hardwood floors on the kitchen counter
sat a strainer filled with fresh blueberries and a freshly,
sliced orange As if ellen had been preparing fruit when.
(21:33):
Something happened there was no evidence of. A struggle furniture
and items appeared. In place nothing was obviously missing. Or
disturbed there were numerous, valuables, present, money keys three, laptop
computers one in the kitchen on the island Which, was
(21:56):
sam's one in the master bedroom on the floor surrounded by,
wedding materials Which was ellen's, personal laptop and one on
a desk in an additional bedroom with, teaching materials Which
was ellen's. Work computer ellen's cell phone was later recovered from.
The bathroom the last text message on it was sent
(22:19):
at three forty. Seven pm ellen was lying soupine on,
her back seated on the, kitchen floor slumped downward and
resting on her lower back and buttocks near the. Corner
cabinets her head was turned to the right and tilted,
slightly forward with her chin resting on her right shoulder
(22:43):
and the right side of her hand resting against the.
Cabinet face her arms were extended parallel to, her body
with both hands rotated slightly inward from the. Anatomical position
her legs were extended with her feet rotated outward, pointing
west while her head faced. Slightly north she was wearing
(23:07):
a dark gray hooded zip up sweatshirt over a DARK gray,
t shirt light gray sweatpants tucked into. Her boots underwear
and tan ug boots all were stained. With blood her
face was covered. IN blood a pair of eyeglasses lay
on the floor to. HER right a black hair tie
(23:30):
a scrunchy was on her. Right wrist in her, left
hand she was clutching a. White towel the towel was,
mostly pristine not, visibly bloodstained despite the massive amount of
blood at. The scene this detail would later strike investigators.
As odd How could ellen have held a clean towel
(23:54):
through twenty? Stab wounds and there protruding from her chest
was a, kitchen knife a ten inch serrated blade with
a twelve point five centimeter blade embedded ten centimeters deep
four inches directly into. Her heart nearby in, the scene
(24:16):
Adjacent to ellen's body were two clean, kitchen knives no blood.
ON them a knife block on the counter was tipped on,
its side and also. No blood at six, forty pm
Paramedics Pronounced ellen. Greenberg Dead the philadelphia police arrived and began.
(24:38):
Their investigation from, that moment from the very, first minutes
something went terribly. Inexplicably wrong here's what should. Have happened
the police should have treated the scene as a. Potential
homicide they should have called in the crime. Scene unit
(25:00):
they should have, documented everything photographed, every angle collected every piece,
of evidence tested blood patterns in other areas of the
apartment with luminol to detect any, cleanup attempts examined the
pillows where blood had, been found and secured the scene
(25:21):
until a thorough investigation could. Be Completed, guy DeAndrea A
former philadelphia prosecutor who won a murder conviction in the
So called craigslist killer trial in, twenty Fifteen reviewed ellen's
case at the request of a colleague who Knew. The
(25:41):
greenbergs he was stunned by what, he found, or rather
what investigators failed. To do DeAndrea later said in a
deposition For the greenberg's, second, lawsuit quote the blood in
the other areas of the apartment should have. Been tested
there should have been testing on the floor, and cabinetry
(26:05):
luminol and other testing could have. Been performed why is, That,
important well if they found any cleaning solution or any
blood that would have been cleaned up and the room
would have. Lit up if that happened with the testing materials,
they have then they would know definitively that someone had
at least attempted to clean up, the apartment Which obviously
(26:29):
ellen would not have been able to do in the
state that she. Was in meaning. Dead, end quote none of.
That happened here is what. Actually happened the Police treated
ellen's death as a suicide from the. Very beginning they
didn't call the crime, scene unit they didn't test blood
(26:52):
evidence in other areas of, the apartment they released the
scene after their. Initial response why because they said the
door was lightched from. The inside sam had to break.
It Down therefore ellen must have, been alone and therefore
(27:12):
it must have. Been suicide the apartment's front door lightch
a common swing bar door guard, was broken with the
screws on the, door loose obviously forced in when in a.
Locked position at approximately ten thirty Pm on january, twenty
(27:32):
sixth Everyone including sam left the, sixth floor except for
one police officer who guarded the Door to unit six.
O three at eleven twenty, Five pm sam arrived by
police transport At The Northwest detective's division. For questioning he
(27:54):
gave his statement by. Evening's end he was released early.
Than that, Nex morning january, Twenty Seventh, melissa ware the
senior property Manager At, venice loft's received a. Phone call
it was from a male Relative of sam's requesting access
to the apartment to retrieve personal Items for. Ellen's Funeral
(28:19):
melissa ware Called The Philadelphia. Police department they said there
were no. Entry restrictions, in fact they recommended hiring a
crime scene cleanup service. Without hesitation the family agreed to
pay for the cleaning before. The cleanup melissa supervised a
(28:40):
video recording of the apartment to document. Its condition then
the crime scene cleanup crew went to work professionally sanitizing
apartment six. O three after the apartment, Was cleaned Melissa, Called,
James yes James schwartz, sam's uncle the. Prominent attorney he
(29:04):
showed up and removed items from, the apartment, A suit,
ellen's purse her, cell phone and her laptop let that
sink in for. A moment the uncle of the person
who discovered the body was allowed to enter the death
scene and remove the victim's electronic devices before police could
(29:28):
execute a. Search warrant the, Next day january, twenty eighth
when police returned with a search warrant to collect evidence
and what they now suspected might be a, homicide investigation
they discovered the kitchen had, been cleaned critical evidence had been,
washed Away and ellen's personal electronics all the devices that
(29:53):
might contain crucial information had been taken by the family of.
Her Fiance Contacted james schwartzman and retrieved, the items but
the chain of custody had been broken from the. Very
beginning this would become one of the most controversial aspects of.
(30:13):
The case, Years later, Ellen's Father, josh greenberg, would, say
quote things were removed from the crime scene without. Our
permission the chain of custody was broken from the very
Beginning When jim schwartzman, removed, computers electronics and my daughter's handbag.
(30:35):
END quote a Representative For james schwartzman would respond that
police gave him permission To take. Ellen's belongings the rep
Denied removing, ellen's handbag but admitted to removing her computers and.
Speaker 4 (30:51):
Cell.
Speaker 2 (30:52):
Phones quote the door was damaged, and unsecure and he
took out items that he thought might. Be stolen but
by the time police forensic investigators could properly examine, the
scene critical evidence. Was gone the apartment had, been sanitized
the chain of custody, was compromised and yet somehow none
(31:17):
of this seemed to matter to the investigators because they
had already made up. Their Minds on january, twenty seventh,
twenty eleven the same day the apartment was being, professionally
Cleaned Doctor marlon Osborne performed ellen's autopsy At The Philadelphia medical.
Examiner's office what he found was nothing short. Of shocking
(31:45):
ellen had twenty, stab wounds ten to, her chest abdomen,
and stomach ten to the back of her head, and
neck plus eleven bruises in various stages of peeling on her, right,
arm abdomen and. Right leg the wounds. Were devastating there
(32:09):
was a knife embedded in her, left chest penetrating ten,
centimeters deep striking the. Aortic arch her upper left. Lung
collapsed both chest cavities filled, with blood which is called.
Bilateral hemothorax she also had multiple stab wounds to the
(32:30):
back of, her neck some penetrating the cervical spinal cord
AT the C two c. Three level two deep stabs
Had penetrated, ellen's brain severing. Cranial nerves an insized wound
on the right ocipical scalp not, a stab but a,
(32:51):
deep cut as if someone had struck her with the
sharp edge of. A knife some wounds were shallow and
what forensic pathologists call, hesitation wounds tentative cuts that can
precede a, fatal injury but others, were, deep forceful. And
deadly the blade had. Struck bone there was subarachnoid hemorrhage
(33:16):
over the cerebellar hemisphere. And Vermics doctor osborne noted. Something
else ellen had no, defensive wounds no cuts on her hands,
or forearms suggesting that she had tried to fight off,
an attacker no injuries to her tongue or, oral cavity
(33:37):
and no fractures to facial, bones clavicles sternum or. Pelvit
bones also no signs of. A struggle but there was
one more detail that would become. Crucial later upon further
Examination of, ellen's Body doctor osborne found that there were
(33:57):
no defense injuries to, the, hands wrists. Or forearms the
right hand is closed in a. Loose fist toxicology results
showed prescription Medications in ellen's system ambient kolonopin, and xanax
all medications that are commonly prescribed for anxiety and. Sleep
(34:21):
Disorders on january, twenty Seventh doctor osborne made. His determination
he wrote in his Report that ellen had been stabbed by.
Another person he ruled her death. A homicide While the
greenberg family were devastated, and grieving they were Told at
(34:42):
ellen's funeral that her death had been ruled. A Homicide
josh greenberg announced it during. His eulogy for a, brief
moment they thought there would, be justice that there would
be an investigation. And answers then. Everything Changed on, march seventh,
(35:04):
twenty eleven just over five Weeks after, ellen's Death The
Philadelphia medical examiner's office made an announcement That stunned. Ellen's
parents the manner of death had been changed from homicide.
To suicide, no explanation. No warning Josh And sandy greenberg
(35:26):
learned about it from. Media reports how does a medical
examiner change a homicide ruling, to suicide especially in a
case with twenty, stab wounds ten of them to the
back of. The neck according to later, court Testimony doctor
osborne changed the ruling after conferring with law. Enforcement officials
(35:52):
the police had been adamant from the beginning that this.
Was suicide they pointed to the, lights door the lack of,
defensive wounds the lack of signs of, an Intruder and ellen's.
Anxiety Medication, tom brennan a retired twenty five year state
(36:12):
police veteran working For the, greenberg family recalled a conference
call With doctor osborne. Years later during, That call osborne admitted.
Something startling brennan testified quote he said he changed it
at the insistence of the police because they said there
(36:33):
was a lack of. DEFENSIVE wounds i, WAS surprised i,
asked him since when did the police have anything to
do with making a medical decision regarding the calls and manner?
Of death end quote in. His deposition, years Later doctor
osborne would testify that he changed the manner of death
(36:55):
based on, several factors including the spinal cord of examination
that he, had arranged the lack of incapacitating Drugs in,
ellen's system no signs of, an intruder the, Broken Door sam,
goldberg's statements and. Police findings but there was one critical
(37:17):
piece of evidence that seemed to seal the deal For,
doctor osborne the claim that a security guard Had witnessed
sam breaking down, the door Confirming that ellen had been
alone inside. The Apartment doctor osborne testified during his, deposition
quote if there was any doubt that the fiance was
(37:40):
escorted by the, security guard or if it was untrue
what he was, being told then this cannot be. A
Suicide the philadelphia police held fast to their, suicide determination
Their reasoning ellen had been alone when, she died the
door was lighted from the, end Side And sam goldberg
(38:02):
had been witnessed by a security guard breaking down, the
door except that wasn't. Quite true in twenty, twenty one
security footage emerged That showed sam entering the elevator alone
at six point thirty, two pm just one minute before
he called nine to. Onein one no security guard was.
(38:24):
With Him, philip hanton the security guard on duty, that
night signed a written declaration stating that he did Not
accompany sam to the sixth floor and was not Present
when sam entered. The apartment he was in, the lobby
and he Never witnessed sam break down the door. At
(38:45):
all so the police's foundational claim that a Witness saw
sam break down, the Door proving ellen, was alone. Was false,
years later in an hour analysis of phone RECORDS by
cnn would also appear to contradict the Claims by sam's.
(39:06):
Two relatives his cousin Came in schwartzman and His uncle
james that they had been on the Phone with sam
as he broke the. Door down the phone records did
not match their account of, the timeline but by twenty
eleven the ruling. Was Final ellen greenberg's death. Was suicide.
(39:28):
Case Closed for Josh And, sandy greenberg this. Was unconscionable,
their bubbly loving daughter who didn't like the sight, of
blood had supposedly stabbed herself, twenty times including ten times
in the back of her head, and neck then left
(39:49):
a knife sticking out of. Her, chest no they didn't.
Believe it they wouldn't, believe it and so began there now,
fourteen years fight. For Justice the greenbergs were not going
to accept the. Official story they hired their, own experts
(40:10):
some of the most renowned forensic pathologists and investigators in. The,
country first they Consulted DOCTOR. Cyril, h Wet the pittsburgh
forensic pathologists who famously challenged the single bullet theory IN the.
Jfk Assassination doctor Wet reviewed ellen's case and issued a scathing,
(40:33):
report quote it is my professional opinion that the manner
of Death Of ellen greenberg is strongly suspicious. Of homicide
he noted the unusual locations of, the wounds particularly those
to the back of. The neck he pointed out that
suicidal stab wounds are, rarely multiple and stab wounds to
(40:58):
the back are especially uncommon in. Suicide cases, he, CONCLUDED
quote i do not know how they wrote this off as.
A suicide then they brought In DOCTOR. Henry, c lee
the renowned forensic scientist who testified IN.
Speaker 4 (41:16):
THE.
Speaker 2 (41:16):
O j Simpson trial in. Twenty Eighteen doctor lee and
His Colleague elaine pagliero reviewed the case files and. Bloodstain
patterns their conclusion, was quote the number and types of
wounds and blood stain patterns observed are consistent with a.
(41:37):
Homicide Scene Detective, scott lman a crime scene reconstructionist hired By,
the greenbergs studied. The photos he found blood Trails suggesting
ellen's body had. Been moved the blood patterns didn't match
the position in which her body. Was found in, His report, illman,
(42:01):
wrote quote the blood stains on her face are inconsistent
with the position in which she. Was, found specifically the
blood stained flow pattern diagonally across her forehead from the
right to the left and terminating in the left eyebrow
would move against the law. Of gravity it is my
(42:21):
opinion that the blood stain evidence in this case is
inconsistent with the position in Which miss greenberg. Was Found
Doctor henry lee and His Colleague elaine pagliero also noted
this discrepancy in, their, analysis quote the blood is flowing
in different directions on. Her face this could mean she
(42:44):
moved after receiving the initial bleeding injuries to her head.
End Quote or brennan suggested it could mean someone moved.
Her body another peculiar detail that supported this theory is
WHEN the, ema arrived they Observed that ellen was seated
in the corner of the kitchen with coagulated blood running
(43:07):
horizontally from her nose to. Her ear this positioning indicated
that she was likely initially lying flat on the ground
when she, was stabbed not sitting upright against the cabinets
as she. Was found but there. Was more blood was
also found on pillows in, the apartment Indicating that ellen
(43:30):
may have been injured in a different location before her
body ended up in. The kitchen the blood stained pattern,
suggested movement they. Suggested staging perhaps the most damning evidence
came from the. Wounds Themselves DOCTOR. Wayne, k ross a
(43:51):
forensic pathologist Based, In, lancaster pennsylvania who has performed more
than thirteen, thousand autopsies examined the case For. The greenbergs
he focused on the stab Wounds to ellen's brain and.
Spinal Cord doctor, ross, wrote quote there was evidence of
(44:12):
a stab wound which penetrated the cranial cavity and severed
the cranial nerves in. The brain as, A result ellen
would experience, severe pain cranial, nerve dysfunction and traumatic brain
signs and symptoms, including, numbness tingling, irregular, heartbeat britocardia, respiratory depression,
(44:38):
neurogenic shock and impaired loss. Of consciousness in, other words
after sustaining those wounds to her brain and, Spinal cord
ellen would have. Been incapacitated she couldn't have kept. Stabbing
Herself doctor ross conducted. A test he had a police
(45:00):
officer of similar size and Bill, to ellen tried to
replicate the stab wounds USING three, d photogrammetry a technology
that recreates the exact angles and depths of.
Speaker 4 (45:13):
The.
Speaker 2 (45:13):
Wounds quote we gave her the knife to see if
she could actually contort herself in, these positions and she.
Could not some of the wounds were biomechanically impossible to.
Self inflict but there was something even. More disturbing in,
(45:33):
twenty Nineteen Doctor, lindsay emery a neuropathologist At The Philadelphia Medical,
examiner's office examined a Sample of ellen's cervical spine that
had been preserved after. The autopsy this examination wouldn't have
happened at all if not For the greenberg family, civil
(45:54):
suit which had prompted a closer look at. The evidence
what she found stopped. Her cold there were three Injuries
to ellen's. Spinal column one cut to the spinal cord
tissue itself had been done during, the autopsy it's a
routine part of the, examination process but there were two
(46:17):
other cuts that. Were different one was to the bone
and ligaments in the Back of ellen's, spinal column and
a corresponding cut to, the dura the protective sheath covering the.
Spinal cord these were quote bonified sharp force injuries from.
A knife but here's what Made doctor emery's. Finding explosive
(46:43):
as she testified in her twenty twenty, one deposition these
cuts showed, something unusual. No hemorrhaging. She explained no hemorrhaging means.
No pulse in, other words at least one of the
stab Wounds to, ellen's spine which was, a deep, forceful
(47:05):
wound appeared to have been inflicted after her heart had,
stopped beating after she was. Already dead someone Had stabbed.
Ellen's corpse this finding. Was Seismic if ellen was already
dead when one of the wounds, was inflicted she clearly
(47:28):
could not have inflicted, it herself which means someone else,
was there which means suicide. Was impossible but there's a
twist to this story that makes it even. More bizarre,
years earlier Shortly after ellen's autopsy in, twenty Eleven doctor
(47:50):
osborne had been concerned about the spinal. Cord injury he
wanted a, second opinion so he reached out To Doctor Lucy,
rourke adams an imminent Neuropathologist At children's Hospital. Of philadelphia
but instead of Having Doctor rourke adams come To The
medical examiner's office for a, formal Examination doctor osborne testified
(48:16):
that he walked a Section of ellen's spinal cord over
To The children's Hospital of philadelphia and quote very heavy
snow for what he called an informal quote curb. Side
exam according To doctor, osborne's Testimony Doctor rourke adams did
(48:37):
not do a. Microscopic examination she just looked at it
and told him, the dura which is the sheath covering the,
spinal cord, was cut but not the spinal. Cord itself
based on this. Informal Assessment doctor osborne felt more confident
ruling the death a suicide because if the spinal cord
(49:00):
itself was, Not severed ellen could theoretically have continued. Stabbing
herself But Doctor lindsey emery's examinations, years later using proper,
microscopic analysis told a, different story and it contradicted What
doctor Osborne Claimed Doctor rourke adams. Had Found doctor emery
(49:24):
later filed a declaration walking back her conclusion about the post,
mortem wound saying there could be other explanations for the
lack of, vital response but the doubt. Was planted the,
question remained how do you reconcile evidence of a post
mortem stab wound? With suicide. You can't then there were.
(49:50):
The Bruises doctor osborne's original autopsy report documented eleven Bruises
on ellen's body and very stages. Of healing some, were
fresh many. Were older an outside pathologist working With the
greenberg family reviewed the. Autopsy photos his conclusion was that
(50:14):
the bruises quote were consistent with a repeated beating. End
Quote doctor ross noted Contusions on ellen's neck and what
appeared to be. Throat hemorrhaging he also observed what looked
like a quote mark over the front of, the neck
which was consistent with a, fingernail mark and multiple bruises
(50:38):
under the neck and in the strap muscles over the
right side of. The neck he continued, to write the
patterns were compatible with. Manual strangulation there was also Bruising
on ellen's forearms that could suggest her wrists had. Been
restrained but the, official story the One That philadelphia Police
(51:02):
And medical examiner's office, stood by ignored all of this
or explained. It away so let me, ask you after
everything you've, just Heard Does ellen greenberg's death sound like suicide?
To you twenty, stab wounds ten to the back of,
(51:23):
her head and neck bruises in various stages, of healing
evidence that her body, was moved blood on pillows in,
another room a crime scene that was cleaned before investigators
could properly, examine it a, fiance's uncle a prominent defense
attorney who removed her computers and cell phone from. The
(51:46):
apartment and Yet on, march seventh, twenty Eleven The medical
examiner changed the ruling from homicide. To Suicide the, greenberg
family like Ellen parents Josh, and sandy could not. Accept
it they would not, accept it and over the last
(52:08):
fourteen years they have. Been Fighting in, part two we'll follow.
That fight we'll hear from the independent experts who said
this couldn't possibly. Be suicide we'll examine the forensic evidence
That suggest ellen may have been stabbed after she was.
(52:29):
Already dead we'll look at the legal battles that went
all the way To The Pennsylvania, supreme court and we'll
explore the questions that still hanked this. Case today why
was the investigation so badly botched from, the beginning why
did the medical examiner change, His ruling And if ellen didn't,
(52:53):
kill herself. Who did thank you so much for Listening to.
Part one join me next Time for part Two of.
ELLEN'S case i hope you're all, doing well and, as always,
stay safe take care, of yourselves and take care of.
Each other thank.
Speaker 1 (53:14):
You for listening to. This episode as we, close out
let us. Not forget awareness is our greatest defense in
a world that can be dark. And grim vigilance is
our beacon of hope when it comes to the cases
we have explored together that have. Remained unsolved if you
happen to hold a piece of, the puzzle dare to.
Step forward As author lois McMaster bouge hold, once said
(53:38):
the dead cannot cry out. For justice it is a
duty of the living to do so. For them until,
we reconvene, my friends stay vigilant and. Stay informed
You're listening to Reverie True Crime, your gateway to the
darkest corners of human nature, where we expose the hidden
truths of human depravity. These harrowing stories serve as a
sobering reminder to keep our senses keen and our awareness
sharp for predator's lurk in unexpected places, patiently waiting and observing.
(00:24):
Join us as we unravel mysteries, explore motives, and seek
justice for victims. As we bring awareness to these cases,
listener discretion is advice.
Speaker 2 (00:38):
Hello, and welcome to Revere True Crime. I'm your host page.
Before we begin today's episode, I want to give you
a warning. This case is very disturbing, not just because
of the violence, but because of what happened after. What
(00:59):
you're about to hear is the story of a young
woman whose death was ruled one way by medical examiners
and another way by nearly every independent expert who's examined
the evidence. This is a case that will make you
question everything you thought you knew about death investigations, Who
(01:20):
decides the truth, and what happens when a family refuses
to accept an answer that makes no sense. This is
part one of a two part series on the case
of Ellen Greenberg. Let's get started. It's January twenty sixth,
(01:43):
twenty eleven, and a nor'easter is tearing through Philadelphia, blanketing
the city in white. Schools are closing early, people are
rushing home before the roads become impassable. In the mana
young neighborhood in a modern high rise called Venice Lofts,
overlooking the Scugl River at four six oh one Flat
(02:06):
Rock Road, a twenty seven year old first grade teacher
named Ellen Greenberg is heading home from work. She's made
sure all of her students got rides home safely. She
stops for gas at a station on Umbria Street, topping
off her tank so her fuel lines won't freeze in
(02:27):
the storm. By one twenty six pm, according to her
credit card records, she's done at the gas station and
heading to Apartments six O three, the sixth floor unit
that she shares with her fiance. Five hours later, Ellen
will be found dead on her kitchen floor with twenty
(02:50):
stab wounds to her body, ten of them to the
back of her neck and head, and a ten inch
serrated kitchen knife buried four inches deep into her chest,
penetrating ten centimeters into her heart. The Philadelphia Medical Examiner
will call it suicide. Ellen's parents will spend the next
(03:12):
fourteen years or more fighting that impossible conclusion. This is
the story of Ellen Greenberg, a case that asks a
question so fundamental it seems absurd. Can someone stab themselves
twenty times and have it called suicide? And if the
(03:33):
answer is no, then what really happened in Apartment six' oh?
Three Ellen Ray greenberg was born On june twenty, third
nineteen eighty, three In New York. City she was the
only child Of josh And Sandy, greenberg their precious, daughter
the one they'd always hoped. For The greenbergs had wanted
(03:57):
a big, family but medical complication Meant ellen would be
their only, child so they poured everything into. Her in
nineteen ninety, four When ellen was, eleven the family moved
From New york To, Harrisburg, pennsylvania Where sandy had. Roots
(04:17):
josh was a periodontist And sandy worked as a dental.
Hygienist ellen naturally had perfect white, teeth but there was
something else perfect About ellen her. Spirit friends of family
describe her as, bubbly, loving and, compassionate the kind of
(04:38):
person who brought people together from completely different. Worlds camp,
friends high school, friends college. Friends they all became friends
themselves because Of. Ellen sandy later, said, quote she was
a really, fun, adorable very, loving bubbly young woman with
(04:59):
a bright future ahead of. Her ellen Attended Susquehanna Township,
schools where she played. Tennis like her mother and grandmother before,
her she was a girly, girl friend, said someone who
didn't like getting dirty and who didn't like the site of.
Blood At Penn State, University ellen majored in communications and
(05:24):
worked as a, lionizer introducing football players and their parents
to the, campus even helping out on the. Field she
Loved Penn. State she loved the, energy the, community and the.
Tradition she was close with her friends From Penn, state
so close that they all remained friends with each other
(05:47):
because of. Her ellen had that gift of bringing people
together from completely different. Worlds, Initially ellen thought she might
become a speech, pathologist but after graduating From Penn, state
she realized that wasn't her, calling so she Attended Temple
university And Chestnut Hill college at night to earn her teaching.
(06:11):
Credentials she'd found her purpose teaching first, grade working with
young children who were just beginning their educational. Journey by twenty,
Eleven ellen was teaching At Juniata Park academy In. Philadelphia
her students adored. Her she used creative methods to engage young,
(06:34):
minds and she was exactly where she wanted to be
in her career and her personal life that seemed equally.
Promising in two thousand and, Seven ellen Met Sam goldberg
through a mutual friend on a blind. Date sam was
a television, producer, ambitious, organized high. Energy he worked in
(06:59):
sports per first FOR Nbc sports In, connecticut then For
Comcast sportsnet And. Philadelphia they dated for three. Years in
the summer of twenty, ten during a trip To, California
sam proposed To ellen on the. Beach she said. Yes
(07:20):
they set their wedding date For august, thirteenth twenty, eleven
at The Hotel hershey In, Hershey. Pennsylvania save the day
cards went. Out ellen was planning the details with her,
friends shopping for bridesmaid. Stresses the couple moved to a
sixth floor apartment At Venice loft's In, maniunk a two
(07:43):
bedroom with sweeping views of the. City everything from the
outside looked perfect beneath the, surface something was. Changing in
the fall of twenty, Ten ellen started a new teaching.
Position the transition was harder than she had. Expected she
(08:04):
was feeling overwhelmed and stressed between the demands of a
new job and the pressure of wedding. Planning ellen began
experiencing significant. Anxiety her Friend Erica, hamilton who had Known
ellen since they were kids and went To Penn state,
together noticed the. Change ellen reached out to her often
(08:28):
Because erica had dealt with similar. Anxiety erica, recalled, quote
she had reached out to me a lot BECAUSE i
had dealt with that same thing end. Quote ellen started
seeing a psychiatrist and was prescribed klonopin and ambient for
anxiety and. Insomnia but there was something odd about their.
(08:52):
Conversations erica, Said ellen seemed worried about. Confidentiality she was
concerned that her therapist might break patient. Confidentiality. Quote there
was a point where she had gotten really concerned about
the counselor breaking. CONFIDENTIALITY i, Said, ellen you can go
(09:15):
into that therapist and tell them anything you want. To
the only time that they would have to break confidentiality
is if you had this grand plan to hurt yourself
or hurt somebody else end. Quote that led to the
only direct conversation they ever had about self. Harm erica, said,
(09:37):
QUOTE i specifically remember point blank asking, her do you
feel that stressed? Out that you are having those kind of?
Thoughts and she. Laughed she was, like, no absolutely, NOT
i just feel anxious end. Quote ellen sent text messages
to her friends and family in those final. Months On january,
(10:01):
eighth twenty, eleven she texted her, mother, Quote i'm starting
the MAD i know you don't, understand BUT i can't
keep living with feeling this. Way another text to her parents,
SAYS i want to leave this, place get me. Out
but her psychiatrists would later tell police That ellen was
(10:23):
happy in her. Relationship there were no signs of abuse
and no suicidal, ideations just managed, anxiety the kind that
forty Million americans. Experience ellen was, also according to multiple,
friends excited about her. Wedding she was looking forward to
(10:45):
marriage and starting a. Family she loved, children this was her.
Dream On, Saturday january twenty, second twenty, eleven four days
before her, Death ellen went dressed shopping with a close
friend for bridesmaid's. Dresses while they were, Shopping ellen began.
(11:06):
Crying she, apologized Quote i'm so. SORRY i Know i'm not,
myself But i'll get it together end. Quote was this
anxiety about, work about the, wedding or something. Else three days,
later On january twenty, Fifth ellen received a text from
(11:29):
a friend asking if she would be getting out early
the next day because of the impending. Snowstorm ellen, replied thank,
goodness she had no idea those would be among her
last words On january twenty, sixth twenty. Eleven it was A.
Wednesday the northeaster everyone had been tracking was. There Ellen
(11:55):
greenberg went to work that morning At Juniata Park, academy
but by midday the snow was falling. Heavy schools Across
philadelphia were closing. Early at, Noon ellen texted a, friend, quote,
yeah are you getting out? Early at one fifteen, Pm
(12:16):
ellen left. Work she stopped for gas at a station
On Umbria, street not far From Venice. Lofts she was being,
careful making sure her tank was full so her fuel
lines wouldn't. Freeze by one six, pm according to her
credit card, Records ellen was done at the gas. Station
(12:40):
she headed home To apartment SIX o Three that. Afternoon
around four forty five, Pm Sam goldberg left their apartment
to go to the. Gym Venice lofts had a gym
on the first floor of the. Building security footage shows
him entering the gym at a proxy ley for fifty
(13:01):
four thirty seven. Pm fifteen seconds after five point, thirty
security footage Shows sam leaving the. Gym this is where
the timeline becomes crucial and. Contested according To sam's, account
when he returned to the sixth floor around five thirty,
(13:22):
pm he found the apartment door secured with a swing
bar latch from the. Inside this is the kind of
latch you might find in a hotel, room a security
bar that prevents the door from opening even if you
have a. Key the door to apartment SIX so three
was tan colored with the number SIX so three clearly,
(13:45):
visible and A jewish prayer and a glass container a
mozuza was affixed to the right of the. Doorframe sam
said he used his, key but the door wouldn't open
more than a. Crack he, knocked and he Called ellen's.
Phone he sent text Messages, hello open the. Door i'm getting.
(14:07):
Pissed what the? Fuck he emailed. Her he shouted through
the crack in the door and still no. Response for
the next, Hour sam says he tried desperately to Reach.
Ellen he went back down to the. Lobby he called her.
Repeatedly he Texted, ellen please let me. In at approximately
(14:32):
six o'clock, Pm sam consulted With Philip, hanton the security
guard on. Duty hanton Called ellen's phone twice at six
oh seven and six.' ten still. No Answer then sam
made two critical phone calls before he called nine to.
(14:54):
One one at six twenty, Six pm sam called, his
cousin Came in schwartzman and put him on speaker so,
His Uncle james schwartzman could. Listen in both men. Are
attorneys james wasn't just. Any attorney he was A prominent philadelphia,
(15:15):
defense attorney a, former prosecutor and at, that time the
vice chairman Of the Board of DIRECTORS. Of septa he
would Later Become president judge Of The pennsylvania Court Of,
judicial discipline the court responsible for hearing judicial misconduct cases across.
The State, the schwartzman's according to their, later account through their,
(15:40):
own Attorney told sam to ask the security guard. For
help when that, didn't work they advised him to break down.
The door at six point thirty. Two pm security Footage
shows sam entering the. Elevator alone at sixty three. P
m sam called nine, One, ONE oh i.
Speaker 3 (16:05):
RETTING out I just i just walk into. My part
my gances on the floor with? Blood everywhere what is
forty Six One Flat? Rock road? Please come oh One Flat?
Rock road is it the house?
Speaker 4 (16:19):
Or?
Speaker 3 (16:19):
Apart, oh no, well no it's? The apartment? What? Apartments come?
Please hurry please.
Speaker 4 (16:27):
Be BLEEDING from i.
Speaker 3 (16:29):
DON'T know i can't.
Speaker 4 (16:30):
Tell you does you have to calm yourself down in
order to get you?
Speaker 3 (16:34):
Some help, I'm sorry. I'm SORRY she i. Don't know
i'm looking at her. Right NOW she. I don't i can't.
See anything shouldn't there's, nothing broken, She'd.
Speaker 4 (16:43):
Blease ellie you don't know where she's? Bleeding From camp ellie's.
COMING from i think.
Speaker 3 (16:48):
HER head i think she hit. HER head i think all.
Everywhere everywhere she might.
Speaker 4 (16:54):
Have fallen you know.
Speaker 3 (16:55):
What happened she may have slipped his blood on the on.
The table he is a. Little, purple okay hold on
for rescue.
Speaker 4 (17:03):
For her say on the phone Four to lucia, that no.
Speaker 3 (17:19):
Forty six Oh One Flat, rock road please.
Speaker 4 (17:21):
Hurry forty six one.
Speaker 3 (17:23):
Flat, wap yes. That's ALL like I just i went
downstairs to. WORK out i came. Back up the door
was lashed like, fiance's inside. It wasn't she, Wasn't answering
so after about a HALF hour i decided to break.
IT down i see, her now just on the floor.
With blood she's not she's. Not, responding okay. She breathing
(17:45):
look at.
Speaker 4 (17:45):
HER chest i need you to, calm DOWN and i
need you to look at.
Speaker 3 (17:48):
Her chest IT'S really i don't THINK she i really
don't think she listened.
Speaker 4 (17:51):
To me someone's on. The way look at. Her chest
if she flat on, her back she's on.
Speaker 3 (17:55):
Her back look at her chests and tell.
Speaker 4 (17:57):
Me if it's going up, and down up.
Speaker 3 (17:59):
AND down i don't see.
Speaker 4 (18:00):
Her.
Speaker 3 (18:01):
Moving okay do you know how TO? DO cpr. I, Don't.
Speaker 4 (18:04):
Okay i'm gonna tell you what.
Speaker 3 (18:05):
To.
Speaker 4 (18:05):
Do okay and so they, GET there i want you to.
Speaker 3 (18:07):
Keep her, phones, hello, yeah, Hi okay well in TO
do cpr with me over. The phone SO they i have,
To write.
Speaker 4 (18:14):
Okay to get her flat on, her bank bear her
chest an you want her?
Speaker 3 (18:18):
For?
Speaker 4 (18:18):
Sure okay steel down by?
Speaker 3 (18:22):
Her side oh, My, god ellie.
Speaker 4 (18:24):
Please listen you can't.
Speaker 3 (18:26):
Freak, Out okay i'm trying Trying to her shirt won't
come off into. The zipper she stands herself where she's sell?
To knife, oh no her nice? Sticking out what is
it nice sticking out? Of? Her, hut oh she. Stands,
HERSELF okay. I GUESS so i don't know where she's fell.
ON it i.
Speaker 4 (18:45):
Don't, Know, okay well don't.
Speaker 3 (18:46):
Touch, it OKAY so i just let her? Do HERE not,
i mean WHAT do? I? DO no i mean.
Speaker 4 (18:51):
You can't is it nicer than? Her chest it's going
to be kind of hard for YOU to dcpr at.
Speaker 3 (18:55):
This time, Oh no oh. My goodness, okay police.
Speaker 4 (18:59):
Ah operator, Seven seven yes they are, you said forty
six one foot? Right, Right, yes okay someone's on the
way and the knife is still inside wait sure what
the knife is still inside?
Speaker 3 (19:12):
Of? HER yes i didn't take it out her chest
or what air? Is it it's like it looks like
it's it looks like it's right in.
Speaker 4 (19:20):
Her, heart okay someone's on the way.
Speaker 3 (19:23):
Out, there okay you Just get oh, my god oh.
My god old she's, twenty seven.
Speaker 4 (19:28):
Twenty seven there's no sign. Of life.
Speaker 3 (19:30):
AT all, i, don't, no please. Don't pee what been
trying to?
Speaker 4 (19:35):
Her arm it's some mean she was fine To, pain kelly.
Speaker 3 (19:42):
She's not it's not her arm and her hands are.
STILL warm i know if. That means but it's BLOOD every,
I mean, i know but.
Speaker 4 (19:47):
You can't and the knife is still inside. Of her
how far can you see how far it?
Speaker 3 (19:51):
Went in it looks. Pretty, deep okay it. Looks three
it's the. Long nights don't touch it if you don't.
Speaker 4 (19:57):
Touch anything i'm not.
Speaker 3 (19:58):
TOUCHING anything i can't believe. This though, oh wait it
was you here. With, her yeah we're the only. Ones
here and she ran in the. Door shut, NO NO
i i went downstairs to, work out AND when i came,
back up the door was lashed like it was, you
know it wasn't, like it, you know it was like
locked from. The Inside and i'm yelling and, yelling, no,
(20:24):
no no, no no it's no kind of a, breaking
no no tign of a breaking. IT all i mean
there will be when you, get HERE because i had
to break. The lash but to get, in.
Speaker 4 (20:34):
Okay forty six ye Flat rock and this is, a,
house right it's.
Speaker 3 (20:37):
An apartment fire. Record apartment oh, My god oh. My god,
all right. Thank you.
Speaker 2 (20:47):
Help was on. The way medics arrived at six thirty.
Six pm They found sam seated in the sixth floor
hallway outside, the apartment wearing A blue t shirt and.
Gray sweatpants in side apartments six, so three They Found
ellen greenberg slumped against the, kitchen cabinets her head and
(21:10):
shoulders propped against the lower cabinet doors near. The stove
the apartment was well, kept clean a two bedroom unit
with modern appliances and. Hardwood floors on the kitchen counter
sat a strainer filled with fresh blueberries and a freshly,
sliced orange As if ellen had been preparing fruit when.
(21:33):
Something happened there was no evidence of. A struggle furniture
and items appeared. In place nothing was obviously missing. Or
disturbed there were numerous, valuables, present, money keys three, laptop
computers one in the kitchen on the island Which, was
(21:56):
sam's one in the master bedroom on the floor surrounded by,
wedding materials Which was ellen's, personal laptop and one on
a desk in an additional bedroom with, teaching materials Which
was ellen's. Work computer ellen's cell phone was later recovered from.
The bathroom the last text message on it was sent
(22:19):
at three forty. Seven pm ellen was lying soupine on,
her back seated on the, kitchen floor slumped downward and
resting on her lower back and buttocks near the. Corner
cabinets her head was turned to the right and tilted,
slightly forward with her chin resting on her right shoulder
(22:43):
and the right side of her hand resting against the.
Cabinet face her arms were extended parallel to, her body
with both hands rotated slightly inward from the. Anatomical position
her legs were extended with her feet rotated outward, pointing
west while her head faced. Slightly north she was wearing
(23:07):
a dark gray hooded zip up sweatshirt over a DARK gray,
t shirt light gray sweatpants tucked into. Her boots underwear
and tan ug boots all were stained. With blood her
face was covered. IN blood a pair of eyeglasses lay
on the floor to. HER right a black hair tie
(23:30):
a scrunchy was on her. Right wrist in her, left
hand she was clutching a. White towel the towel was,
mostly pristine not, visibly bloodstained despite the massive amount of
blood at. The scene this detail would later strike investigators.
As odd How could ellen have held a clean towel
(23:54):
through twenty? Stab wounds and there protruding from her chest
was a, kitchen knife a ten inch serrated blade with
a twelve point five centimeter blade embedded ten centimeters deep
four inches directly into. Her heart nearby in, the scene
(24:16):
Adjacent to ellen's body were two clean, kitchen knives no blood.
ON them a knife block on the counter was tipped on,
its side and also. No blood at six, forty pm
Paramedics Pronounced ellen. Greenberg Dead the philadelphia police arrived and began.
(24:38):
Their investigation from, that moment from the very, first minutes
something went terribly. Inexplicably wrong here's what should. Have happened
the police should have treated the scene as a. Potential
homicide they should have called in the crime. Scene unit
(25:00):
they should have, documented everything photographed, every angle collected every piece,
of evidence tested blood patterns in other areas of the
apartment with luminol to detect any, cleanup attempts examined the
pillows where blood had, been found and secured the scene
(25:21):
until a thorough investigation could. Be Completed, guy DeAndrea A
former philadelphia prosecutor who won a murder conviction in the
So called craigslist killer trial in, twenty Fifteen reviewed ellen's
case at the request of a colleague who Knew. The
(25:41):
greenbergs he was stunned by what, he found, or rather
what investigators failed. To do DeAndrea later said in a
deposition For the greenberg's, second, lawsuit quote the blood in
the other areas of the apartment should have. Been tested
there should have been testing on the floor, and cabinetry
(26:05):
luminol and other testing could have. Been performed why is, That,
important well if they found any cleaning solution or any
blood that would have been cleaned up and the room
would have. Lit up if that happened with the testing materials,
they have then they would know definitively that someone had
at least attempted to clean up, the apartment Which obviously
(26:29):
ellen would not have been able to do in the
state that she. Was in meaning. Dead, end quote none of.
That happened here is what. Actually happened the Police treated
ellen's death as a suicide from the. Very beginning they
didn't call the crime, scene unit they didn't test blood
(26:52):
evidence in other areas of, the apartment they released the
scene after their. Initial response why because they said the
door was lightched from. The inside sam had to break.
It Down therefore ellen must have, been alone and therefore
(27:12):
it must have. Been suicide the apartment's front door lightch
a common swing bar door guard, was broken with the
screws on the, door loose obviously forced in when in a.
Locked position at approximately ten thirty Pm on january, twenty
(27:32):
sixth Everyone including sam left the, sixth floor except for
one police officer who guarded the Door to unit six.
O three at eleven twenty, Five pm sam arrived by
police transport At The Northwest detective's division. For questioning he
(27:54):
gave his statement by. Evening's end he was released early.
Than that, Nex morning january, Twenty Seventh, melissa ware the
senior property Manager At, venice loft's received a. Phone call
it was from a male Relative of sam's requesting access
to the apartment to retrieve personal Items for. Ellen's Funeral
(28:19):
melissa ware Called The Philadelphia. Police department they said there
were no. Entry restrictions, in fact they recommended hiring a
crime scene cleanup service. Without hesitation the family agreed to
pay for the cleaning before. The cleanup melissa supervised a
(28:40):
video recording of the apartment to document. Its condition then
the crime scene cleanup crew went to work professionally sanitizing
apartment six. O three after the apartment, Was cleaned Melissa, Called,
James yes James schwartz, sam's uncle the. Prominent attorney he
(29:04):
showed up and removed items from, the apartment, A suit,
ellen's purse her, cell phone and her laptop let that
sink in for. A moment the uncle of the person
who discovered the body was allowed to enter the death
scene and remove the victim's electronic devices before police could
(29:28):
execute a. Search warrant the, Next day january, twenty eighth
when police returned with a search warrant to collect evidence
and what they now suspected might be a, homicide investigation
they discovered the kitchen had, been cleaned critical evidence had been,
washed Away and ellen's personal electronics all the devices that
(29:53):
might contain crucial information had been taken by the family of.
Her Fiance Contacted james schwartzman and retrieved, the items but
the chain of custody had been broken from the. Very
beginning this would become one of the most controversial aspects of.
(30:13):
The case, Years later, Ellen's Father, josh greenberg, would, say
quote things were removed from the crime scene without. Our
permission the chain of custody was broken from the very
Beginning When jim schwartzman, removed, computers electronics and my daughter's handbag.
(30:35):
END quote a Representative For james schwartzman would respond that
police gave him permission To take. Ellen's belongings the rep
Denied removing, ellen's handbag but admitted to removing her computers and.
Speaker 4 (30:51):
Cell.
Speaker 2 (30:52):
Phones quote the door was damaged, and unsecure and he
took out items that he thought might. Be stolen but
by the time police forensic investigators could properly examine, the
scene critical evidence. Was gone the apartment had, been sanitized
the chain of custody, was compromised and yet somehow none
(31:17):
of this seemed to matter to the investigators because they
had already made up. Their Minds on january, twenty seventh,
twenty eleven the same day the apartment was being, professionally
Cleaned Doctor marlon Osborne performed ellen's autopsy At The Philadelphia medical.
Examiner's office what he found was nothing short. Of shocking
(31:45):
ellen had twenty, stab wounds ten to, her chest abdomen,
and stomach ten to the back of her head, and
neck plus eleven bruises in various stages of peeling on her, right,
arm abdomen and. Right leg the wounds. Were devastating there
(32:09):
was a knife embedded in her, left chest penetrating ten,
centimeters deep striking the. Aortic arch her upper left. Lung
collapsed both chest cavities filled, with blood which is called.
Bilateral hemothorax she also had multiple stab wounds to the
(32:30):
back of, her neck some penetrating the cervical spinal cord
AT the C two c. Three level two deep stabs
Had penetrated, ellen's brain severing. Cranial nerves an insized wound
on the right ocipical scalp not, a stab but a,
(32:51):
deep cut as if someone had struck her with the
sharp edge of. A knife some wounds were shallow and
what forensic pathologists call, hesitation wounds tentative cuts that can
precede a, fatal injury but others, were, deep forceful. And
deadly the blade had. Struck bone there was subarachnoid hemorrhage
(33:16):
over the cerebellar hemisphere. And Vermics doctor osborne noted. Something
else ellen had no, defensive wounds no cuts on her hands,
or forearms suggesting that she had tried to fight off,
an attacker no injuries to her tongue or, oral cavity
(33:37):
and no fractures to facial, bones clavicles sternum or. Pelvit
bones also no signs of. A struggle but there was
one more detail that would become. Crucial later upon further
Examination of, ellen's Body doctor osborne found that there were
(33:57):
no defense injuries to, the, hands wrists. Or forearms the
right hand is closed in a. Loose fist toxicology results
showed prescription Medications in ellen's system ambient kolonopin, and xanax
all medications that are commonly prescribed for anxiety and. Sleep
(34:21):
Disorders on january, twenty Seventh doctor osborne made. His determination
he wrote in his Report that ellen had been stabbed by.
Another person he ruled her death. A homicide While the
greenberg family were devastated, and grieving they were Told at
(34:42):
ellen's funeral that her death had been ruled. A Homicide
josh greenberg announced it during. His eulogy for a, brief
moment they thought there would, be justice that there would
be an investigation. And answers then. Everything Changed on, march seventh,
(35:04):
twenty eleven just over five Weeks after, ellen's Death The
Philadelphia medical examiner's office made an announcement That stunned. Ellen's
parents the manner of death had been changed from homicide.
To suicide, no explanation. No warning Josh And sandy greenberg
(35:26):
learned about it from. Media reports how does a medical
examiner change a homicide ruling, to suicide especially in a
case with twenty, stab wounds ten of them to the
back of. The neck according to later, court Testimony doctor
osborne changed the ruling after conferring with law. Enforcement officials
(35:52):
the police had been adamant from the beginning that this.
Was suicide they pointed to the, lights door the lack of,
defensive wounds the lack of signs of, an Intruder and ellen's.
Anxiety Medication, tom brennan a retired twenty five year state
(36:12):
police veteran working For the, greenberg family recalled a conference
call With doctor osborne. Years later during, That call osborne admitted.
Something startling brennan testified quote he said he changed it
at the insistence of the police because they said there
(36:33):
was a lack of. DEFENSIVE wounds i, WAS surprised i,
asked him since when did the police have anything to
do with making a medical decision regarding the calls and manner?
Of death end quote in. His deposition, years Later doctor
osborne would testify that he changed the manner of death
(36:55):
based on, several factors including the spinal cord of examination
that he, had arranged the lack of incapacitating Drugs in,
ellen's system no signs of, an intruder the, Broken Door sam,
goldberg's statements and. Police findings but there was one critical
(37:17):
piece of evidence that seemed to seal the deal For,
doctor osborne the claim that a security guard Had witnessed
sam breaking down, the door Confirming that ellen had been
alone inside. The Apartment doctor osborne testified during his, deposition
quote if there was any doubt that the fiance was
(37:40):
escorted by the, security guard or if it was untrue
what he was, being told then this cannot be. A
Suicide the philadelphia police held fast to their, suicide determination
Their reasoning ellen had been alone when, she died the
door was lighted from the, end Side And sam goldberg
(38:02):
had been witnessed by a security guard breaking down, the
door except that wasn't. Quite true in twenty, twenty one
security footage emerged That showed sam entering the elevator alone
at six point thirty, two pm just one minute before
he called nine to. Onein one no security guard was.
(38:24):
With Him, philip hanton the security guard on duty, that
night signed a written declaration stating that he did Not
accompany sam to the sixth floor and was not Present
when sam entered. The apartment he was in, the lobby
and he Never witnessed sam break down the door. At
(38:45):
all so the police's foundational claim that a Witness saw
sam break down, the Door proving ellen, was alone. Was false,
years later in an hour analysis of phone RECORDS by
cnn would also appear to contradict the Claims by sam's.
(39:06):
Two relatives his cousin Came in schwartzman and His uncle
james that they had been on the Phone with sam
as he broke the. Door down the phone records did
not match their account of, the timeline but by twenty
eleven the ruling. Was Final ellen greenberg's death. Was suicide.
(39:28):
Case Closed for Josh And, sandy greenberg this. Was unconscionable,
their bubbly loving daughter who didn't like the sight, of
blood had supposedly stabbed herself, twenty times including ten times
in the back of her head, and neck then left
(39:49):
a knife sticking out of. Her, chest no they didn't.
Believe it they wouldn't, believe it and so began there now,
fourteen years fight. For Justice the greenbergs were not going
to accept the. Official story they hired their, own experts
(40:10):
some of the most renowned forensic pathologists and investigators in. The,
country first they Consulted DOCTOR. Cyril, h Wet the pittsburgh
forensic pathologists who famously challenged the single bullet theory IN the.
Jfk Assassination doctor Wet reviewed ellen's case and issued a scathing,
(40:33):
report quote it is my professional opinion that the manner
of Death Of ellen greenberg is strongly suspicious. Of homicide
he noted the unusual locations of, the wounds particularly those
to the back of. The neck he pointed out that
suicidal stab wounds are, rarely multiple and stab wounds to
(40:58):
the back are especially uncommon in. Suicide cases, he, CONCLUDED
quote i do not know how they wrote this off as.
A suicide then they brought In DOCTOR. Henry, c lee
the renowned forensic scientist who testified IN.
Speaker 4 (41:16):
THE.
Speaker 2 (41:16):
O j Simpson trial in. Twenty Eighteen doctor lee and
His Colleague elaine pagliero reviewed the case files and. Bloodstain
patterns their conclusion, was quote the number and types of
wounds and blood stain patterns observed are consistent with a.
(41:37):
Homicide Scene Detective, scott lman a crime scene reconstructionist hired By,
the greenbergs studied. The photos he found blood Trails suggesting
ellen's body had. Been moved the blood patterns didn't match
the position in which her body. Was found in, His report, illman,
(42:01):
wrote quote the blood stains on her face are inconsistent
with the position in which she. Was, found specifically the
blood stained flow pattern diagonally across her forehead from the
right to the left and terminating in the left eyebrow
would move against the law. Of gravity it is my
(42:21):
opinion that the blood stain evidence in this case is
inconsistent with the position in Which miss greenberg. Was Found
Doctor henry lee and His Colleague elaine pagliero also noted
this discrepancy in, their, analysis quote the blood is flowing
in different directions on. Her face this could mean she
(42:44):
moved after receiving the initial bleeding injuries to her head.
End Quote or brennan suggested it could mean someone moved.
Her body another peculiar detail that supported this theory is
WHEN the, ema arrived they Observed that ellen was seated
in the corner of the kitchen with coagulated blood running
(43:07):
horizontally from her nose to. Her ear this positioning indicated
that she was likely initially lying flat on the ground
when she, was stabbed not sitting upright against the cabinets
as she. Was found but there. Was more blood was
also found on pillows in, the apartment Indicating that ellen
(43:30):
may have been injured in a different location before her
body ended up in. The kitchen the blood stained pattern,
suggested movement they. Suggested staging perhaps the most damning evidence
came from the. Wounds Themselves DOCTOR. Wayne, k ross a
(43:51):
forensic pathologist Based, In, lancaster pennsylvania who has performed more
than thirteen, thousand autopsies examined the case For. The greenbergs
he focused on the stab Wounds to ellen's brain and.
Spinal Cord doctor, ross, wrote quote there was evidence of
(44:12):
a stab wound which penetrated the cranial cavity and severed
the cranial nerves in. The brain as, A result ellen
would experience, severe pain cranial, nerve dysfunction and traumatic brain
signs and symptoms, including, numbness tingling, irregular, heartbeat britocardia, respiratory depression,
(44:38):
neurogenic shock and impaired loss. Of consciousness in, other words
after sustaining those wounds to her brain and, Spinal cord
ellen would have. Been incapacitated she couldn't have kept. Stabbing
Herself doctor ross conducted. A test he had a police
(45:00):
officer of similar size and Bill, to ellen tried to
replicate the stab wounds USING three, d photogrammetry a technology
that recreates the exact angles and depths of.
Speaker 4 (45:13):
The.
Speaker 2 (45:13):
Wounds quote we gave her the knife to see if
she could actually contort herself in, these positions and she.
Could not some of the wounds were biomechanically impossible to.
Self inflict but there was something even. More disturbing in,
(45:33):
twenty Nineteen Doctor, lindsay emery a neuropathologist At The Philadelphia Medical,
examiner's office examined a Sample of ellen's cervical spine that
had been preserved after. The autopsy this examination wouldn't have
happened at all if not For the greenberg family, civil
(45:54):
suit which had prompted a closer look at. The evidence
what she found stopped. Her cold there were three Injuries
to ellen's. Spinal column one cut to the spinal cord
tissue itself had been done during, the autopsy it's a
routine part of the, examination process but there were two
(46:17):
other cuts that. Were different one was to the bone
and ligaments in the Back of ellen's, spinal column and
a corresponding cut to, the dura the protective sheath covering the.
Spinal cord these were quote bonified sharp force injuries from.
A knife but here's what Made doctor emery's. Finding explosive
(46:43):
as she testified in her twenty twenty, one deposition these
cuts showed, something unusual. No hemorrhaging. She explained no hemorrhaging means.
No pulse in, other words at least one of the
stab Wounds to, ellen's spine which was, a deep, forceful
(47:05):
wound appeared to have been inflicted after her heart had,
stopped beating after she was. Already dead someone Had stabbed.
Ellen's corpse this finding. Was Seismic if ellen was already
dead when one of the wounds, was inflicted she clearly
(47:28):
could not have inflicted, it herself which means someone else,
was there which means suicide. Was impossible but there's a
twist to this story that makes it even. More bizarre,
years earlier Shortly after ellen's autopsy in, twenty Eleven doctor
(47:50):
osborne had been concerned about the spinal. Cord injury he
wanted a, second opinion so he reached out To Doctor Lucy,
rourke adams an imminent Neuropathologist At children's Hospital. Of philadelphia
but instead of Having Doctor rourke adams come To The
medical examiner's office for a, formal Examination doctor osborne testified
(48:16):
that he walked a Section of ellen's spinal cord over
To The children's Hospital of philadelphia and quote very heavy
snow for what he called an informal quote curb. Side
exam according To doctor, osborne's Testimony Doctor rourke adams did
(48:37):
not do a. Microscopic examination she just looked at it
and told him, the dura which is the sheath covering the,
spinal cord, was cut but not the spinal. Cord itself
based on this. Informal Assessment doctor osborne felt more confident
ruling the death a suicide because if the spinal cord
(49:00):
itself was, Not severed ellen could theoretically have continued. Stabbing
herself But Doctor lindsey emery's examinations, years later using proper,
microscopic analysis told a, different story and it contradicted What
doctor Osborne Claimed Doctor rourke adams. Had Found doctor emery
(49:24):
later filed a declaration walking back her conclusion about the post,
mortem wound saying there could be other explanations for the
lack of, vital response but the doubt. Was planted the,
question remained how do you reconcile evidence of a post
mortem stab wound? With suicide. You can't then there were.
(49:50):
The Bruises doctor osborne's original autopsy report documented eleven Bruises
on ellen's body and very stages. Of healing some, were
fresh many. Were older an outside pathologist working With the
greenberg family reviewed the. Autopsy photos his conclusion was that
(50:14):
the bruises quote were consistent with a repeated beating. End
Quote doctor ross noted Contusions on ellen's neck and what
appeared to be. Throat hemorrhaging he also observed what looked
like a quote mark over the front of, the neck
which was consistent with a, fingernail mark and multiple bruises
(50:38):
under the neck and in the strap muscles over the
right side of. The neck he continued, to write the
patterns were compatible with. Manual strangulation there was also Bruising
on ellen's forearms that could suggest her wrists had. Been
restrained but the, official story the One That philadelphia Police
(51:02):
And medical examiner's office, stood by ignored all of this
or explained. It away so let me, ask you after
everything you've, just Heard Does ellen greenberg's death sound like suicide?
To you twenty, stab wounds ten to the back of,
(51:23):
her head and neck bruises in various stages, of healing
evidence that her body, was moved blood on pillows in,
another room a crime scene that was cleaned before investigators
could properly, examine it a, fiance's uncle a prominent defense
attorney who removed her computers and cell phone from. The
(51:46):
apartment and Yet on, march seventh, twenty Eleven The medical
examiner changed the ruling from homicide. To Suicide the, greenberg
family like Ellen parents Josh, and sandy could not. Accept
it they would not, accept it and over the last
(52:08):
fourteen years they have. Been Fighting in, part two we'll follow.
That fight we'll hear from the independent experts who said
this couldn't possibly. Be suicide we'll examine the forensic evidence
That suggest ellen may have been stabbed after she was.
(52:29):
Already dead we'll look at the legal battles that went
all the way To The Pennsylvania, supreme court and we'll
explore the questions that still hanked this. Case today why
was the investigation so badly botched from, the beginning why
did the medical examiner change, His ruling And if ellen didn't,
(52:53):
kill herself. Who did thank you so much for Listening to.
Part one join me next Time for part Two of.
ELLEN'S case i hope you're all, doing well and, as always,
stay safe take care, of yourselves and take care of.
Each other thank.
Speaker 1 (53:14):
You for listening to. This episode as we, close out
let us. Not forget awareness is our greatest defense in
a world that can be dark. And grim vigilance is
our beacon of hope when it comes to the cases
we have explored together that have. Remained unsolved if you
happen to hold a piece of, the puzzle dare to.
Step forward As author lois McMaster bouge hold, once said
(53:38):
the dead cannot cry out. For justice it is a
duty of the living to do so. For them until,
we reconvene, my friends stay vigilant and. Stay informed
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If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Ruthie's Table 4
For more than 30 years The River Cafe in London, has been the home-from-home of artists, architects, designers, actors, collectors, writers, activists, and politicians. Michael Caine, Glenn Close, JJ Abrams, Steve McQueen, Victoria and David Beckham, and Lily Allen, are just some of the people who love to call The River Cafe home. On River Cafe Table 4, Rogers sits down with her customers—who have become friends—to talk about food memories. Table 4 explores how food impacts every aspect of our lives. “Foods is politics, food is cultural, food is how you express love, food is about your heritage, it defines who you and who you want to be,” says Rogers. Each week, Rogers invites her guest to reminisce about family suppers and first dates, what they cook, how they eat when performing, the restaurants they choose, and what food they seek when they need comfort. And to punctuate each episode of Table 4, guests such as Ralph Fiennes, Emily Blunt, and Alfonso Cuarón, read their favourite recipe from one of the best-selling River Cafe cookbooks. Table 4 itself, is situated near The River Cafe’s open kitchen, close to the bright pink wood-fired oven and next to the glossy yellow pass, where Ruthie oversees the restaurant. You are invited to take a seat at this intimate table and join the conversation. For more information, recipes, and ingredients, go to https://shoptherivercafe.co.uk/ Web: https://rivercafe.co.uk/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/therivercafelondon/ Facebook: https://en-gb.facebook.com/therivercafelondon/ For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iheartradio app, apple podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com