PHILADELPHIA, PA – Federal prosecutors have requested documents related to the death of a first-grade teacher who was found stabbed more than 20 times in her Philadelphia apartment in 2011, a case that was controversially ruled a suicide despite the gruesome circumstances.
Ellen Greenberg’s family has fought for more than a decade to have her death reclassified as a homicide. Now, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania has requested records from the Philadelphia Police Department and other agencies involved in the original investigation.
The federal government declined to confirm or deny whether a formal investigation has been opened, though sources indicate the document request occurred last month.
Greenberg, 27, was found dead in her Manayunk apartment by her fiance, Sam Goldberg. According to his account, he left for the gym while she was preparing fruit in the kitchen. When he returned and found the door secured with a swing lock from the inside, he broke through and discovered her body slumped against the kitchen cabinets.
Goldberg has not been named as a suspect in the case.
The suicide ruling has been questioned by forensic experts who say the nature and number of wounds – over 20 stab injuries – would make self-infliction virtually impossible. Nancy Grace co-authored a book examining the case, noting that Greenberg had filled up her car with gas shortly before her death, suggesting she was planning for the future.
The Greenberg family’s attorney said they are ecstatic about the potential federal involvement, calling it exactly what they’ve wanted all along. The family expressed gratitude that someone is finally taking a closer look after all these years.
The case has gained renewed attention through true crime coverage and advocacy efforts by Greenberg’s parents, who have never accepted the official findings.
