Federal prosecutors have requested records in the 2011 death of Philadelphia teacher Ellen Greenberg, a case that has long drawn controversy after her death was reclassified as a suicide. Her former fiancé, Sam Goldberg, was photographed leaving his Manhattan home and declined to comment as the U.S. Attorney’s Office seeks documents from local agencies. The federal review reportedly focuses on possible misconduct or corruption by local officials rather than immediately changing the medical manner of death. The case regained attention after a Hulu documentary and a 2022 lawsuit by Greenberg’s family.
Federal Review Prompts New Scrutiny In Ellen Greenberg Case; Ex‑Fiancé Spotted Leaving Manhattan Home
Ellen Greenberg, left, in an undated family photo.(Fox News)
Federal prosecutors have requested records related to the 2011 death of Philadelphia teacher Ellen Greenberg, renewing scrutiny of a case that has long divided investigators and her family. The move prompted media attention after Greenberg’s former fiancé, Sam Goldberg, was photographed leaving his Manhattan residence and declined to answer questions from reporters.
Goldberg, 43, was seen leaving a $1.88 million apartment he shares with his wife and two children, wearing a black jacket, gray sweatpants and a beanie, the Daily Mail reported. When asked about the federal inquiry, he told reporters he had nothing more to say.
What Happened
Greenberg, 27 at the time, was found inside a locked apartment in 2011 with multiple stab wounds; many reports cite 23 stab wounds to her body, including injuries to the back of her head and heart. Goldberg discovered her, forced the locked door open and called 911; his call — in which he said she had “fallen on a knife” — later drew attention when it was included in a documentary.
Why Federal Authorities Are Involved
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania has asked the Philadelphia Police Department and other agencies for documents related to the original investigation, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer. Media reporting and statements from the U.S. Attorney’s Office indicate that federal prosecutors are primarily looking into possible criminal misconduct or corruption by local officials involved in the 2011 probe, rather than directly overturning the medical examiner’s classification.
"It's very good news in that it takes things out of the state of Philadelphia, which we cannot trust, and places it in the hands of the federal government," said Greenberg's mother, Sandee Greenberg, to the Daily Mail. "There's been so much corruption they need fresh eyes on it. It's been a very long time coming."
Legal And Investigative History
Greenberg’s death was originally investigated as a homicide but was reclassified as a suicide in 2011 after Assistant Medical Examiner Dr. Marlon Osbourne changed the manner of death following discussions with Philadelphia Police investigators. The decision has been fiercely contested by Greenberg’s family and outside experts.
In 2022 the family sued the City of Philadelphia over its handling of the investigation. In 2023, Pennsylvania’s Commonwealth Court acknowledged investigative errors but dismissed the family’s request to change Greenberg’s official manner of death. The Philadelphia Medical Examiner’s Office reaffirmed the suicide classification last year, a ruling that was described in court documents as the product of a “deeply flawed investigation” by local authorities.
Public Attention
The case returned to national attention after a Hulu documentary released in October 2025 reignited public debate about the investigation. Goldberg has criticized the film’s portrayal of him, saying he was unfairly depicted.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Fox News Digital reported the developments; other outlets including The Philadelphia Inquirer and People have also covered the story.
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