The Supreme Court is to review the suicide case of Ellen Greenberg from Philadelphia, a 27-year-old first-grade teacher, who was found stabbed 20 times in her apartment, which she shared with her fiancé, Sam Goldberg.
Philadelphia Assistant Medical Examiner Marlon Osbourne initially ruled her death a homicide but later changed it to suicide after pressure from the police.
Despite public outcry and evidence suggesting homicide, then-Attorney General Josh Shapiro upheld the suicide ruling. The Greenberg family has fought for years to have the death certificate changed back to homicide, and the Pennsylvania Supreme Court will soon hear their arguments.
The case could impact Shapiro’s political future, as it raises questions about his judgment and decision-making.
The court will determine whether executors and administrators of an estate can challenge a death certificate ruling that affects victim compensation, wrongful death suits, or criminal complaints.
Hi @JoshShapiroPA!
— Jack Poso 🇺🇸 (@JackPosobiec) August 1, 2024
Did you cover up the murder of Ellen Greenberg bc of your ties to her fiancé’s family?
Stabbed 22 times even 2 after she was dead and you called it a suicide? pic.twitter.com/aNHkE2Wcra
The process could take over a year, and the investigation is now with the Chester County DA’s Office due to conflicts in Philadelphia and with the state Attorney General’s office.
Ellen Greenberg’s parents, Josh and Sandee Greenberg, have long contested the suicide ruling. During a 2021 deposition, former Philadelphia Assistant Medical Examiner Dr. Lindsey Emery testified that at least two of Ellen’s stab wounds occurred post-mortem. Despite this, Shapiro’s office continued to support the suicide finding.
Journalist Gavin Fish uncovered further inconsistencies in the case. On the day of Ellen’s death, her fiancé Sam Goldberg claimed he found her body after returning from the gym and breaking down their locked apartment door.
However, phone records and testimonies suggested that Goldberg’s lawyer relatives arrived at the scene before first responders and removed several of Ellen’s personal items.
James Schwartzman, one of those relatives, is politically connected and has ties to Josh Shapiro. Schwartzman’s family donated to Shapiro’s campaigns, and Shapiro referred the case out in 2022 due to perceived conflicts of interest.
As Kamala Harris gears up for her campaign, the controversy surrounding Shapiro and the Ellen Greenberg case may cast a shadow over her choice of running mate. The unfolding legal battle and its implications could play a crucial role in the upcoming election.