Investigation into Ellen Greenberg’s Death Reopened by Federal Authorities
Federal authorities have reopened the investigation into the 2011 death of Ellen Greenberg, a former Philadelphia teacher found with multiple stab wounds, igniting renewed scrutiny on her controversial case. This development comes just days after Sam Goldberg, Greenberg’s former fiancé, was spotted in New York City without commenting on the case.
Why It Matters
The reopening of the investigation marks a pivotal moment for Greenberg’s family, who have long contested the suicide ruling applied to her death. With federal prosecutors stepping in, there is potential for a fresh examination of the circumstances surrounding her death, which many have described as shrouded in controversy and mismanagement.
Key Developments
- Sam Goldberg was seen in New York City shortly after news broke of the investigation’s reopening.
- Goldberg declined to respond to inquiries related to the case and the reopening of the investigation.
- Greenberg’s mother expressed hope that federal investigation will provide clarity, citing corruption in the original handling of the case.
- The case was initially ruled a homicide before being reclassified as a suicide by a medical examiner in 2011.
- Federal authorities will not be re-evaluating the suicide ruling but will investigate potential corruption among local officials during the original investigation.
Full Report
Recent Sightings and Family Statements
Sam Goldberg, age 43, left his Manhattan residence wearing casual attire and did not engage with reporters who sought comment on the case. Goldberg’s silence stands in contrast to the frustration expressed by Ellen Greenberg’s family, who continue to advocate for justice. Sandee Greenberg, Ellen’s mother, characterized the reopening of the investigation as “very good news,” emphasizing the need for a fresh perspective on what she alleges was a corrupt local investigation.
Investigation Background
Ellen Greenberg was discovered with 23 stab wounds in her locked apartment in 2011, originally leading investigators to classify her death as a homicide. However, the case took a dramatic turn when Dr. Marlon Osbourne, an assistant medical examiner, changed the ruling to suicide after discussions with Philadelphia police. Notably, Goldberg has never been named a suspect in the investigation.
Legal Actions and Procedural Changes
In their ongoing fight for justice, Greenberg’s family previously filed a lawsuit against the city, alleging mishandling of the investigation. Although a state court acknowledged errors in the original investigation, it dismissed the family’s attempts to change the official cause of death. The Philadelphia Medical Examiner’s Office reaffirmed the suicide classification, despite expressing awareness of the investigation’s flaws.
Federal Involvement and Potential Outcomes
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania has requested documents from local law enforcement related to the case. While they are not expected to contest the suicide ruling, their focus will be on uncovering any potential misconduct among local officials involved in the initial investigation. This could signal an important shift in how such sensitive cases are handled moving forward.
Context & Previous Events
On January 26, 2026, the case will mark its 15th anniversary. Greenberg was found dead in a situation that has been widely criticized for its investigative lapses. After a recent documentary highlighted the details of the case, there has been a resurgence of public interest and calls for accountability regarding the original investigation’s management.
