The pathologist who ruled the death of 27-year-old Philadelphia teacher Ellen Greenberg was a homicide, before switching his determination to a suicide, has retreated to his initial position.
Greenberg was found dead with 20 stab wounds to the chest, abdomen, head and heart in 2011.
While authorities ruled that her death was a suicide after saying only her DNA was found on the knife and her clothing, her parents have maintained their belief that their daughter was murdered.
“Based on my consideration of the new information brought to my attention after leaving my position as medical examiner for the City of Philadelphia, along with my original autopsy findings and information considered while I was actively involved in Ellen’s case,” Osbourne wrote, ““it is my professional opinion Ellen’s manner of death should be designated as something other than suicide.”
His declaration is part of a settlement agreement in a lawsuit involving Greenberg’s parents.
Greenberg was found dead in 2011 by her fiance, Sam Goldberg, after he returned to their Philadelphia home.
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A previous report from people.com said that Goldberg told cops he was not able to get into the apartment because the swing-bar lock was in use. He eventually forced his way into the home and discovered Greenberg dead with a 10-inch knife in her chest.
Greenberg’s parents’ attorney, Joseph Podraza, previously told Fox News that the knife was never fingerprinted and that there were signs of a struggle in the apartment.
The Inquirer reported that Podraza says Greenberg’s parents, Joshua and Sandra, never wanted monetary damages from Osbourne. Rather, they sought an acknowledgement that she didn’t die by suicide.
“It’s a tremendous statement by Dr. Osbourne, as far as I’m concerned, and a courageous one,” Podraza said, per the outlet. “The only thing unfortunate about it is how late in time it came. It should have come earlier, but we are grateful he has done the right thing.”