This episode of the Prosecutors Podcast concludes its five-part series on the death of Ellen Greenberg. The hosts, Brett and Alice, discuss the police investigation, the medical examiner's changing conclusions (from suicide to homicide and back again), and evidence suggesting foul play. Expert opinions from several professionals are presented to challenge the initial ruling of suicide.
Initial Police Conclusion and Mishandling: The police initially concluded Ellen Greenberg's death was a suicide, leading to significant mishandling of the crime scene. The apartment was cleaned before a thorough investigation could be conducted, compromising crucial evidence. The police also accepted false information about the presence of a security guard.
Medical Examiner's Changing Conclusions: The medical examiner's cause-of-death conclusion changed multiple times, initially ruling it suicide, then homicide, and finally back to suicide. This was influenced by the police's initial assessment and subsequent information about the security guard's non-involvement.
Expert Opinions Challenging Suicide Ruling: Several experts (including a neuropathologist, a former medical examiner, and a blood spatter expert) reviewed the evidence and concluded that multiple aspects pointed towards homicide, contradicting the initial police findings. They pointed to the unusual nature of the wounds, blood spatter patterns, and the damage (or lack thereof) to Ellen's spinal cord.
Ongoing Lawsuit: Ellen Greenberg's parents are pursuing a lawsuit against the Philadelphia authorities to force a re-investigation and change the official cause of death to homicide. A court ruling supports the parents' right to challenge the initial conclusion, indicating a recognition of flaws in the original investigation.
Lack of Thorough Investigation: The original investigation was severely lacking in thoroughness. Crucial evidence was lost due to the mishandling of the crime scene, and vital aspects such as the neuropathologist's examination were not properly documented. The hosts suggest this may have been due to the police's initial bias toward a suicide conclusion.
