Ellen Greenberg
Ellen Greenberg 1st Autopsy – Homicide
Based on his initial findings, Dr. Osbourne ruled the death a homicide.
January 27, 2011, at 9 a.m., The autopsy report of Ellen R. Greenberg, conducted by the Philadelphia Medical Examiner’s Office on January 27, 2011, lists the cause of death as multiple stab wounds and the manner of death as homicide.
Key Findings:
- Multiple stab wounds to the chest, abdomen, and back of the neck.
- An incised wound on the right occipital scalp.
- Injuries affecting major internal structures, including:
- Aortic arch
- Upper lobe of the left lung
- Liver
- Cervical spinal cord (C2-C3 level)
- Presence of bilateral hemothorax (blood in both chest cavities).
- Knife found embedded in the chest wound, with a blade length of 12.5 cm.
- Bruising (contusions) on the upper and lower extremities, indicating possible prior trauma.
Internal Examination:
- No fractures to the facial bones, clavicles, sternum, or pelvic bones.
- No injuries to the tongue or oral cavity, which might suggest a lack of defensive struggle.
- Normal heart and coronary arteries.
- Presence of subarachnoid hemorrhage over the cerebellar hemisphere and vermis.
- No fractures to the skull base or calvarium.
- No brain herniation.
Notable Observations:
- The depth and severity of the wounds, particularly those to the chest, neck, and spinal cord, would likely impair movement or self-inflicted repetition.
- The stab wounds to the back of the neck raise serious doubts about the possibility of suicide, as this location is difficult to reach.
- The original ruling of homicide contradicts the later reclassification to suicide, which has sparked controversy in the case. Second Autopsy
- Other Findings: Hemorrhaging in soft tissues.
Cause and Manner of Death: The autopsy concluded that the cause of death was multiple stab wounds, and the manner of death was initially classified as homicide.
Detailed Breakdown of Each Stab Wound from Ellen Greenberg’s Autopsy Report
The autopsy report documents 20 stab wounds across different regions of Ellen Greenberg’s chest, abdomen, neck, and scalp. Below is a stab wound-by-stab wound breakdown, categorized by location.
1. Chest Wounds
Stab Wound “A”
- Location: Midline of the chest, 30 cm below the top of the head.
- Size: 0.4 cm x 0.2 cm.
- Depth: 0.2 cm.
- Pathway: Front to back.
- Other Findings: Hemorrhaging in soft tissues.
Stab Wound “B”
- Location: Midline of the chest, 31 cm below the top of the head.
- Size: 0.3 cm x 0.3 cm.
- Depth: 0.2 cm.
- Pathway: Front to back.
- Other Findings: Hemorrhaging in soft tissues.
Stab Wound “C”
- Location: Right side of the chest, 29 cm below the top of the head, 4.5 cm to the right of midline.
- Size: 2 cm x 0.6 cm.
- Depth: 1.4 cm.
- Pathway: Slightly right to left, front to back, and slightly upward.
- Other Findings: Hemorrhaging in muscles of the right chest and beneath the right clavicle.
Stab Wound “D”
- Location: Right side of the chest, 33 cm below the top of the head, 2.7 cm to the right of midline.
- Size: 0.3 cm x 0.1 cm.
- Depth: 0.2 cm.
- Pathway: Front to back.
- Other Findings: Hemorrhaging in soft tissues.
Stab Wound “E”
- Location: Left side of the chest, 33 cm below the top of the head, 2.5 cm to the left of midline.
- Size: 1.7 cm x 0.5 cm.
- Depth: 10 cm.
- Pathway: Left to right, front to back, slightly downward.
- Other Findings:2.4 cm incision in aortic arch.
- Incision in upper lobe of left lung.
- 120 mL blood in pericardial sac.
- 600 mL of blood in left pleural cavity, 500 mL in right.
Stab Wound “F”
- Location: Midline of chest, 34.5 cm below the top of the head.
- Size: 0.6 cm x 0.2 cm.
- Depth: 0.2 cm.
- Pathway: Front to back.
- Other Findings: Hemorrhaging in soft tissues.
Stab Wound “G”
- Location: Midline of chest, 34.5 cm below the top of the head.
- Size: 0.6 cm x 0.2 cm.
- Depth: 0.2 cm.
- Pathway: Front to back.
- Other Findings: Hemorrhaging in soft tissues.
Stab Wound “H”
- Location: Midline of the chest, 42 cm below the top of the head.
- Size: 1.5 cm x 0.5 cm.
- Depth: 4 cm.
- Pathway: Slightly left to right, front to back.
- Other Findings:2.3 cm deep incision in liver.
- Internal bleeding in abdomen.
2. Abdominal Wound
Stab Wound “I”
- Location: Midline of abdomen, 46 cm below the top of the head.
- Size: 2 cm x 0.8 cm.
- Depth: 6 cm.
- Pathway: Slightly left to right, front to back.
- Other Findings: Hemorrhaging in abdominal muscles and internal bleeding.
3. Scalp Wound
Incised Wound “J”
- Location: Right occipital scalp, 8 cm above the right ear.
- Size: 6.5 cm x 1.1 cm.
- Depth: Through the skin and scalp.
- Pathway: Oblique orientation.
- Other Findings: Clean incised wound.
4. Neck Wounds
Stab Wound “K”
- Location: Posterior neck, 9 cm below the top of the head, 2 cm to the left of midline.
- Size: 2 cm x 0.2 cm.
- Depth: 0.3 cm.
- Pathway: Slightly left to right, back to front.
- Other Findings: Hemorrhaging in soft tissues.
Stab Wound “L”
- Location: Posterior neck, 14 cm below the top of the head, 4 cm to the left of midline.
- Size: 1.1 cm x 0.6 cm.
- Depth: 0.2 cm.
- Pathway: Slightly left to right, back to front.
- Other Findings: Hemorrhaging in soft tissues.
Stab Wound “M”
- Location: Midline of posterior neck, 11 cm below the top of the head.
- Size: 0.2 cm x 0.1 cm.
- Depth: 0.3 cm.
- Pathway: Back to front.
- Other Findings: Hemorrhaging in soft tissues.
Stab Wound “N”
- Location: Posterior neck, 13 cm below the top of the head, 0.5 cm to the left of midline.
- Size: 1.1 cm x 0.4 cm.
- Depth: 8 cm.
- Pathway: Left to right, back to front, slightly upward.
- Other Findings:Defect in ligamentum nuchae.
- Small vessel incision near cerebellum.
- Subarachnoid hemorrhage over cerebellum.
Stab Wound “O”
- Location: Posterior neck, 14 cm below the top of the head, 6.5 cm behind right ear.
- Size: 1.2 cm x 0.6 cm.
- Depth: 3 cm.
- Pathway: Right to left, back to front.
- Other Findings: Hemorrhaging in soft tissues.
Stab Wound “P”
- Location: Posterior neck, 13.5 cm below the top of the head, 2 cm to the right of midline.
- Size: 1 cm x 0.3 cm.
- Depth: 2.1 cm.
- Pathway: Right to left, back to front.
- Other Findings: Hemorrhaging in soft tissues.
Stab Wound “Q”
- Location: Posterior neck, 15 cm below the top of the head, 3 cm to the left of midline.
- Size: 0.6 cm x 0.3 cm.
- Depth: 2 cm.
- Pathway: Slightly left to right, back to front.
- Other Findings: Hemorrhaging in soft tissues.
Stab Wound “R”
- Location: Posterior neck, 16 cm below the top of the head, 3 cm to the left of midline.
- Size: 0.9 cm x 0.6 cm.
- Depth: 1.9 cm.
- Pathway: Slightly left to right, back to front.
- Other Findings: Hemorrhaging in soft tissues.
Key Takeaways
- 20 stab wounds across chest, abdomen, neck, and scalp.
- Several deep wounds penetrating major organs.
- Multiple neck wounds, some near the spinal cord and brainstem.
- Bruises on arms and legs suggestive of prior trauma.
Dr. Osbourne ruled the death a homicide.
Dr. Osborne ruled the death a
suicide
Ellen Greenberg Bruises
A pathologist at the medical examiner’s office noted multiple bruises while performing Ellen Greenberg’s autopsy. Later, after reviewing the photos, an outside pathologist working with the Greenberg family wrote that the bruises “were consistent with a repeated beating.” Ellen Greenberg had 20 knife wounds and at least 11 bruises. Authorities said she killed herself
Greenberg – Autopsy
Ellen Greenberg – Autopsy Reconstructed 3D Computer Model
3-dimensional female model was created based on the measurements in autopsy report
- 27 years old
- Height 5 foot 7 inches
- Weight 136 pounds
- The 3D model was brought into 3D editing software
- Cameras were placed in 3D space to match the autopsy photographs
- The exchangeable image file format (EXIF) data from the digital autopsy photographs were used to set the focal length of the computer cameras
- A computer generated 3D ruler was created based on the ruler evident in the autopsy photographs
- The 3D ruler was positioned in several of the camera views to match the autopsy photographs and confirm the scale
- The autopsy photographs were used to position the wounds and bruises on the 3D model
Ellen Greenberg
2012 Dr. Cyril Wecht Findings
2012 – Dr. Cyril Wecht’s Independent suicide
January 11. 2012 report by Dr. Cyril Wecht, a renowned forensic pathologist, concerning the death of Ellen Greenberg. Dr. Wecht was commissioned by Greenberg’s family to conduct an independent review following the
controversial ruling of her death as a suicide.
- Ellen’s parents hired Dr. Cyril Wecht, a forensic pathologist, to conduct an independent autopsy review.
- Dr. Wecht’s Key Findings:
- Unusual Nature of Stab Wounds:
- 20 stab wounds (including deep neck and back injuries) are highly inconsistent with suicide.
- Lack of Defensive Wounds:
- While Ellen had no clear defensive wounds, Dr. Wecht argues this does not prove suicide, as she could have been incapacitated early in an attack.
- Concerns Over Crime Scene Handling:
- The apartment was cleaned too soon, and key evidence may have been lost.
- Suspicious Nature of Injuries:
- Stab wounds to the back and neck raise doubts about whether she could have inflicted them herself.
Key Observations from Dr. Wecht’s Report:
- Multiple Stab Wounds: Dr. Wecht emphasized the unusual nature of the case, noting that Ellen sustained 20 stab wounds, including injuries to her chest, abdomen, and back of the neck. He highlighted that suicidal stab wounds are rarely multiple and that stab wounds to the back are particularly uncommon in suicide cases.
- Lack of Defensive Wounds: The report acknowledged the absence of defensive wounds on Ellen’s body. However, Dr. Wecht suggested that this does not conclusively indicate suicide, as the absence could be due to a “blitz” attack, where the victim is overwhelmed quickly and unable to defend herself.
- Scene Investigation: Dr. Wecht raised concerns about the crime scene management, noting that the apartment was cleaned before a thorough forensic examination could be conducted. He also pointed out that key items, such as Ellen’s personal electronics, were removed from the scene prematurely.
- Conclusion: Dr. Wecht concluded that the manner of Ellen Greenberg’s death is “strongly suspicious of homicide.” He recommended a comprehensive re-investigation, including a thorough review of all forensic evidence and witness statements.
ELLEN GREENBERG INJURIES
- Ellen R Greenberg Autopsy Computer Model Right Anatomy with Knives
- Ellen R Greenberg Autopsy Computer Model Right Anatomy with Knives
- Ellen R Greenberg Autopsy Computer Model Neck
- Ellen R Greenberg Autopsy Computer Model Head
- Ellen R Greenberg Autopsy Computer Model Chest
- Ellen R Greenberg Autopsy Computer Model Front Body
- Ellen R Greenberg Autopsy Computer Model Front Anatomy with Knives
- Ellen R Greenberg Autopsy Computer Model Back Anatomy with Knives
- Ellen R Greenberg Autopsy Computer Model Neck Anatomy with Knives
- Ellen R Greenberg Autopsy Computer Model Neck Anatomy with Knives
- Ellen R Greenberg Autopsy Computer Model Chest Anatomy with Knives
- Ellen R Greenberg Autopsy Computer Model Neck Anatomy with Knives
- Ellen R Greenberg Autopsy Computer Model Neck and Chest Anatomy with Knives
- Ellen R Greenberg Autopsy Computer Model Neck and Chest Anatomy with Knives
Photo 2
The view of the decedent in Photo #2 shows a female on the kitchen floor with her bead and shoulders against the corner cabinets near the stove and sink. A pair of glasses are on the floor to the decedent’s right hand. Blood-like stains are seen on the floor and on the woman’s clothing. A white towel Is in her left hand. Several blood-like stains appear to be on the kitchen counter near the sink
Photo 3
The decedent’s upper body and the cabinets behind her are shown in Photograph #4. Swipe- type patters can be seen on the cabinet corner area. There are also some blood spatter patterns and a blood dripping in a downward direction on the cabinet to her right These stains indicate that the decedent received some of her wounds while she was above the level of the stains. The swipe patterns are consistent with having been formed when she fell to the floor.
Photo 6
Multiple blood drops ore seen on the upper legs, with addition drops noted on the lover legs and on the boot tops. A closer view of the left boot (photograph 6) shows several vertical blood drops on the boot top and the sides of the boot sole- Some of these stains appear to be the result of vertical blood drops.
- Based on the number and distribution of the drops, these stains are consistent with having been from her initial injuries. If the decedent had received a massive Injury while upright, the number of stains should have been greater.
Photo 9
Photograph #9 is a closer view of the bloodstains on the cabinet doors near the decedent’s head. Several bloodstains can be seen that are dripping downward, further indicating that she was upright when she received some of her wounds. A small amount of cast-off type bloodstains are also seen in this area of the cabinets, indicating a downward direction.






Photo 3
A close-up view of the decedent’s head and shoulders shows a knife in her left upper chest. There are blood-like stains on the knife, her face and her clothes. There appear to be several cuts on her head. The Wood is flowing in different directions on her face This could mean that she moved after receiving the initial bleeding Injuries to her head. The location of several of the wounds would be a difficult position for her to cause these wounds.
Photo 5
There are at least 300 400 blood drops on her upper thighs and waist area. These stains arc consistent with vertical blood drops, formed when Wood fell from her wounds onto this area while she was in a sitting position. There is also blood on the floor between her legs. Based on the appearance of the bloodstains and their locations, these arc consistent with the knife being inserted at the area where she was found. She later fell onto the floor with the dripping wounds over her legs.
Photo 8
The decedent’s right hand and the area around her right hand is shown In photograph #8,
- There is a blood smear on her right hand.
- A few blood drops can be seen on the floor, which may indicate that she was upright for some of her injuries.
There is no indication of cleaning in this area.
Photo 10
Photograph #10 is a close-up picture of reddish-colored stains on the counter. It is unknown if this stain is in fact blood; if, however, it is blood, it is consistent with a blood drop with some spatter. This would be further indication that the decedent was upright when she received some of her injuries, and then subsequently fell to the floor, leaning back against the cabinet.
Crime Scene
January 26, 2011, Ellen Greenberg Body was found under suspicious circumstances involving multiple stab wounds
Crime Scene Photos:
2017 Detective Scott Eelman Report
Observations at the Scene:
- Ellen Greenberg was found seated on the kitchen floor, slumped downward, resting on her lower back and buttocks.
- Her arms were extended parallel to her body, with both hands rotated slightly inward.
- A white towel was clenched in her left hand.
- Ellen was wearing tan UGG boots, gray sweatpants, a dark gray zip-up sweatshirt, and a dark gray T-shirt underneath.
- Her head was tilted slightly forward, with her chin resting on her right shoulder and the right side of her head against a cabinet.
- A knife handle was protruding from the upper left chest of Ellen Greenberg.
- Bloodstains were observed on her sweatshirt, sweatpants, boots, hands, face, and floor adjacent to her body.
- Two large kitchen knives were found in the right side of the double sink, and a kitchen knife block was overturned with two empty slots.
Findings and Opinions:
- Ellen Greenberg died as a result of multiple stab wounds.
- The bloodstains on her face were inconsistent with the position in which she was found:
- The blood flow across her forehead would not have occurred if she had been in the seated position in which she was discovered.
- The blood flow pattern suggests her head was tilted backward at the time of injury.
- The circular and elliptical bloodstains on her sweatshirt indicate that blood originated from above her torso, likely from the head or neck region. This suggests her head was tilted forward during blood deposition.
- The void patterns on her clothing indicate that the blood source was above her body while she was slumped forward.
- If Ms. Greenberg had been in a seated position at the time of blood deposition, one would expect elliptical bloodstains with evidence of directionality on her lower body and floor. Instead, bloodstains were absent on the lower pant legs and minimal on the floor compared to the extensive stains on her clothing.
- No photographs were provided of the back of her clothing, but given the injuries to the back of her neck, bloodstains were likely present on the back of her shirt.
- Swipe patterns on the cabinet suggest Ms. Greenberg’s bloody hair came into contact with the surface multiple times, indicating movement after blood flow began.
- The minimal amount of blood on the floor does not correlate with the high volume of blood on her clothing.
- A specific bloodstain pattern on the floor near her right leg showed a hard edge, suggesting an intervening object may have prevented further blood flow.
- The pinkish discoloration of this bloodstain suggests possible cleanup or alteration.
- The presence of blood on the bottom of her right boot raises questions about movement. If she had walked through blood, more blood transfer stains would be expected in the surrounding area.
Ellen Greenberg was not in the position in which she was found at the time of blood deposition.
- Her head was in multiple positions during the blood flow process, contradicting the scene’s final state.
- The overall bloodstain evidence contradicts the theory that she died in the position in which she was found.
- The lack of blood on the floor compared to significant stains on her clothing is inconsistent.
- The blood flow patterns on her face further suggest she was moved after bleeding began.
- Sam Goldberg forcibly broke it open & discovered Ellen unresponsive on the kitchen floor. The photograph shows that the screws attaching the swing bar lock to the door were dislodged, but the door undamaged
- Ellen Greenberg was found dead in the apartment she shared with her fiancé, Sam Goldberg. She was discovered with a knife lodged in her chest on the kitchen floor.
- On the kitchen counter, a strainer filled with blueberries and a freshly sliced orange were visible. Two Clean kitchen knives are in the sink adjacent to the body. There is no evident blood. The knife in her body was consistent with the knife set found in the sink and in the block.
- Ellen Greenberg had been discovered seated on the kitchen floor with her head and upper body resting against the cabinets, inside her locked Manayunk apartment with a serrated knife plunged four inches into her chest.
- When EMS arrived, they observed that Ellen was seated in the corner of the kitchen, with coagulated blood running horizontally from her nose to her ear. Note: This positioning indicates that she was likely initially lying flat on the ground when she was stabbed. No neighbors reported any loud noises or arguments.
- Two Clean kitchen knives are in the sink adjacent to the body. There is no evident blood. A knife block is on the counter turned over to the side. Also no evident blood. The knife in her body was consistent with the knife set found in the sink and in the block.
- Ellen Greenberg Kitchen Floor Blood
- Kitchen Cabinets Blood Smudges
- The photograph shows that the screws attaching the swing bar lock to the door were dislodged, but that the door appears to be otherwise undamaged