The Mysterious Death of Ellen Greenberg: A Journey for Justice and Truth

In January 2011, the shocking discovery of first-grade teacher Ellen Greenberg’s lifeless body sent ripples through her community and left her family shattered. Greenberg was found with multiple stab wounds, including a 10-inch kitchen knife embedded in her chest, in her Philadelphia apartment. It was a gruesome scene that raised numerous questions about the nature of her death.

Initially, upon breaking through a latched door, Sam Goldberg, Greenberg’s fiancé, stumbled upon her body in the kitchen. The local police ruled her death a suicide almost instantaneously, baffling family and friends alike. Adding to the confusion, a professional cleaning crew entered her home shortly after the police removed the body, diminishing evidence from the crime scene.

Days later, during her funeral, the Philadelphia Medical Examiner’s Office classified the death as a homicide, only for the ruling to be reverted back to suicide four months later, with the city abruptly closing the case. The inconsistencies between these rulings only heightened the family’s disbelief and prompted them to search for the truth for over a decade.

The perplexing circumstances surrounding Greenberg’s death are the focus of the docuseries “Death in Apartment 603: What Happened to Ellen Greenberg?” produced by ABC News Studios. Directed by Nancy Schwartzman, this three-part series delves into the evidence accrued over the years and showcases the relentless pursuit for answers by Ellen’s parents, Josh and Sandra Greenberg, who believe their daughter did not take her own life.

Following the settlement of a civil lawsuit that the Greenbergs lodged against the city of Philadelphia, which mandated the current medical examiner to reexamine the case, Schwartzman began filming the docuseries. Philadelphia officials were commanded to conduct a comprehensive reinvestigation into Ellen Greenberg’s death by October 14.

“It was the perfect moment to start filming because there was a renewed momentum,” Schwartzman explained. “We captured the unfolding story live, along with insights into who Ellen was and how the evidence converged.”

For Josh and Sandra Greenberg, collaborating with Schwartzman and ABC News provided an opportunity to shine a light on their daughter’s life and legacy. “We would love for this documentary to bring justice for Ellen,” stated Josh Greenberg. “However, the priority is to share how special she was.”

Sandra Greenberg added, “We wanted the world to truly understand our family and get to know Ellen—her passion for life and love.”

Schwartzman interviewed not only the Greenbergs but also Ellen’s friends and extended family, along with journalists and forensic experts who scrutinized the case. Notably, forensic pathologists Joseph Scott Morgan and Dr. Michelle Dupree raised significant concerns, noting that they had never encountered a case of self-inflicted stab wounds to the back. They also pointed out apparent strangulation marks on her neck and bruises in different stages of healing across her body.

“Our approach is based on factual evidence drawn from public records and legal discoveries,” states Schwartzman. “This series raises vital questions about human errors in the investigation, including the cleaning of the crime scene and the questionable actions of Sam Goldberg’s uncle in removing Ellen’s computer post-death.”

While Sam Goldberg did not participate in the series, recordings from the 911 call he made upon discovering Ellen’s body are featured. In the call, he exclaims, “She fell on a knife! There’s a knife sticking out of her heart.” His response to CPR instructions left Sandra Greenberg in disbelief, “I couldn’t comprehend how the man planning to marry my daughter had to question if he should help her.”

Archival news footage also featured voices from significant figures, including Governor Josh Shapiro, who encountered the case during his time as Attorney General. Shapiro reaffirmed a suicide ruling in 2019, a stance he maintains. “I wished to provide closure to these parents, but the evidence regrettably supported the suicide conclusion,” Shapiro stated.

Schwartzman reached out for interviews with Shapiro, as well as representatives from the Philadelphia Police Department, Medical Examiner’s Office, Attorney General’s Office, and the District Attorney’s Office; all declined commentary.

“Documentaries excel in holding those in authority accountable,” Schwartzman asserts. “We strive to bring attention to the crucial errors made in this case.”

“Death in Apartment 603: What Happened to Ellen Greenberg?” is currently streaming on Hulu, providing an intimate look into a tragic event that has remained unresolved for years.