Parents Seek Answers in Daughter’s Mysterious Death
Sandee and Josh Greenberg are desperate to uncover the truth behind their daughter Ellen’s tragic death in 2011. The 27-year-old first grade teacher was discovered in her apartment, having suffered 20 stab wounds, including one to her neck. An autopsy revealed bruises on her body at various stages of healing, raising more questions than answers.
During a winter vacation in St. Kitts with her loved ones, Ellen appeared to be happy and engaged, preparing for her upcoming wedding in August. But just a month later, she would be found dead in the home she shared with her fiancé, Sam Goldberg.
Goldberg reported he came home from a workout to find Ellen unresponsive on the floor, a knife protruding from her chest. Despite the severity of her injuries—which included multiple stab wounds and a gash on her head—the initial findings ruled her death a homicide. However, a sudden change in the investigation on April 4, 2011, led to the medical examiner classifying it as a suicide after discussions with the police.
This surprising turn of events crushed her parents. "She would never do that," Sandee said, expressing their disbelief at the ruling. With the case labeled a suicide, there would be no criminal investigation to find a possible suspect.
Determined to seek justice, the Greenbergs dedicated the past 14 years to uncovering what really happened to their daughter. They brought in experts—such as forensic pathologist Dr. Cyril Wecht—who concluded that Ellen’s injuries were inconsistent with self-infliction, and forensic neuropathologist Dr. Wayne Ross, who suggested evidence of foul play.
To reignite the investigation, the couple gathered over 167,000 signatures for a petition to reopen the case. They also filed lawsuits in 2019 and 2022, claiming the original investigation was mishandled, which their attorney referred to as a “cover-up.” Recently, they settled these lawsuits, securing a commitment from city officials to review Ellen’s cause of death again.
In a breakthrough, Dr. Osbourne, the former medical examiner, signed a statement as part of the settlement saying he now believes Ellen’s death should not be classified as suicide. Reflecting on their harrowing experience, Sandee said, "It’s hard to believe that the situation is still not resolved."
As the investigation continues, uncertainty looms. The day Ellen died was marked by a fierce snowstorm that forced her to leave school early. After filling her car with gas, she returned home to prepare a fruit salad. However, her parents recall troubling details, such as makeup laid out in her bathroom—a routine that was unusual for her.
Goldberg’s actions following the discovery of Ellen’s body have been scrutinized. After finding her unresponsive and making a call for help, he mentioned that she had “stabbed herself.” Yet, the autopsy revealed 20 stab wounds, including several in her neck, and signs of past injuries.
As investigations slowed due to an apparent lack of thoroughness, former prosecutors expressed serious doubts about the classification of her death. The Greenbergs continue to feel powerless in this situation, with Josh stating, "We don’t have the power; they have the power." As they wait for the city to act, the couple remains hopeful for a resolution that honors their daughter’s memory.
