Ellen Greenberg Case: Medical Examiner Reverses Suicide Ruling as Parents Reach Settlement with City

The original medical examiner in the case of Ellen Greenberg, a Philadelphia teacher whose 2011 death was controversially ruled a suicide despite nearly two dozen stab wounds and extensive bruising, has now reversed his determination for the first time. This shift comes as Greenberg’s parents prepare for their most significant legal battle yet.

Fourteen years have passed since 27-year-old Greenberg was discovered in her kitchen on January 26, 2011, during a blizzard. She had sustained 20 stab wounds, with a knife still embedded in her chest, while a half-prepared fruit salad remained on the countertop. Read More Ellen Greenberg Case File

The forensic pathologist with the city medical examiner’s office, Dr. Marlon Osbourne, backtracked on his suicide ruling in the lead-up to the trial, according to legal documents.

It is my professional opinion Ellen’s manner of death should be designated as something other than suicide, Osbourne wrote.

He further acknowledged, Since issuing the amended death certificate,

I have become aware of additional information I did not have at the time of issuing the amended death certificate which may have impacted my opinion.

Initially, Osbourne ruled Greenberg’s death a homicide in 2011, court documents show. However, after a private meeting with police, he reversed course and officially classified her death as a suicide.

On Friday, January 31, 2025  a judge ruled that a lawsuit filed in 2022 by her parents, Dr. Josh and Sandee Greenberg, against the city of Philadelphia can proceed to trial. This marks a major breakthrough in their ongoing fight for justice, attorney Joseph Podraza, who represents the Greenbergs, confirmed.

The Greenbergs entered a Philadelphia courtroom Monday morning to begin their trial, which accuses local officials and the medical examiner’s office, including Osbourne, of covering up their daughter’s death. According to legal documents, the lawsuit alleges a concealed conspiracy for the purpose of disguising Ellen’s homicide as a suicide.

Today, February 3, 2025, the Greenbergs have reached a settlement with the city, which has agreed to pay an undisclosed amount. Additionally, the Medical Examiner’s Office will re-evaluate Ellen’s manner of death. Josh and Sandee consider Osbourne’s verification sufficient, marking a crucial step in their long-standing battle for justice.