Ellen Greenberg's Suicide Ruling to Face Supreme Court Review

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has agreed to hear arguments regarding the controversial ruling that Ellen Greenberg's death by 20 stab wounds was suicide. The ruling will examine whether her parents have legal standing to challenge the medical examiner's findings.

Ellen Greenberg's parents have fought relentlessly to have their daughter's death reclassified from suicide to homicide or undetermined. Last year, a panel of appellate court judges ruled against their request, citing a lack of standing. However, the judges also criticized the city, police, and medical examiner's office for their handling of the investigation.

Ellen Greenberg's Suicide Ruling to Face Supreme Court Review

Undeterred, Greenberg's parents vowed to appeal to the Supreme Court, and their efforts have now borne fruit. The court will consider whether the parents, as executors of her estate, have the legal authority to challenge the medical examiner's findings.

Ellen Greenberg, a 27-year-old Philadelphia woman, was found dead in her kitchen in January 2011 with 20 stab wounds, including 10 from behind. Her body was also covered in bruises in various stages of healing, and there were signs of a struggle.

Ellen Greenberg's Suicide Ruling to Face Supreme Court Review

Initially, Dr. Marlon Osbourne, a forensic pathologist with the city medical examiner's office, ruled Greenberg's death a homicide. However, he later reversed course after meeting with police behind closed doors and officially declared it a suicide.

Greenberg's parents have alleged a murder cover-up, pointing to inconsistencies in the investigation and the lack of thorough evidence collection. They have also criticized the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office for their refusal to reopen the case.

Ellen Greenberg's Suicide Ruling to Face Supreme Court Review

"We always wondered why we didn't have standing, Ellen's mother and father," said Dr. Joshua Greenberg. "We started it as a fight for Ellen, but… we are fighting on standing and on the ability to challenge the medical examiner. Right now the medical examiner's conclusion cannot be challenged."

"This is a big win for us," he added.

Ellen Greenberg's Suicide Ruling to Face Supreme Court Review

Experts have raised concerns about the forensic evidence in the case, particularly the angle of the stab wounds on the back of Greenberg's head and the lack of defensive wounds. Dr. Cyril Wecht, a famed forensic pathologist, stated that the evidence strongly suggested homicide.

The Chester County District Attorney's Office is conducting an outside investigation, and former Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro, now the governor, has been accused of having a conflict of interest in the case.

Ellen Greenberg's Suicide Ruling to Face Supreme Court Review

Dr. Osbourne, who has since moved to Florida, has not responded to requests for comment.

The Supreme Court's review will determine whether Greenberg's parents have standing to challenge the suicide ruling. If the court grants standing, it could lead to a fresh examination of the evidence and potentially a new determination of the cause of Greenberg's death.

Ellen Greenberg's Suicide Ruling to Face Supreme Court Review