Mystery Surrounds Untouched Knife in Teacher’s Tragic Death
The knife found lodged in the chest of Ellen Greenberg, a 27-year-old Philadelphia teacher, remains unexamined for fingerprints, according to her parents’ attorney, who is pursuing legal action against city officials over what they allege is a murder cover-up.
In January 2011, Greenberg was discovered lifeless in her kitchen, bearing the horrifying evidence of 20 stab wounds, 10 of which were inflicted from behind. However, city authorities have steadfastly classified her death as a suicide, resulting in an ongoing legal battle over access to case evidence, including the mysterious knife.
“We would like to have it tested, minimally, just to see if there are fingerprints on it, because if there aren’t any fingerprints, that says a lot,” said Joseph Podraza, the attorney for Ellen’s parents. It might imply that someone wiped them away after her demise, indicating a potential murderer. “And if there are fingerprints other than Ellen’s on that knife, well, that says a lot too: Somebody clearly did stab her,” he added. “And it’s never been fingerprinted.”
Forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Baden, unrelated to the case, suggests that if the knife has been properly preserved, fingerprints can still be analyzed, as fingerprints tend to persist unless intentionally removed.
Ellen Greenberg’s tragic death presents several disturbing questions, with her holding a “pristine” white towel in her left hand while succumbing to nearly two dozen stab wounds in a bloodied kitchen. Attorney Podraza believes the towel might have been used to wipe the knife handle, indicating that someone arrived at the scene sooner than expected.
The circumstances surrounding her demise have baffled many, as holding a white towel and inflicting numerous stab wounds do not align with the typical behavior of a person enjoying lunch. Last month, a panel of appellate judges ruled against the parents’ request to reclassify Greenberg’s death, but they criticized the city, police, and the medical examiner’s office for their flawed investigation.
Judge Ellen Ceisler stated, “The facts surrounding this matter are extremely disturbing…the Parents’ tireless efforts…warrant our sincere sympathy.”
There are glaring discrepancies in the investigation, such as the initial determination of homicide by Dr. Marlon Osbourne, which came after the crime scene had been cleaned. An independent review by Dr. Cyril Wecht also noted suspicious elements and the unexamined knife for fingerprints.
The legal battle continues, with the city actively opposing any revelations and attributing their silence to ongoing litigation and investigations. Ellen Greenberg’s parents intend to appeal the recent ruling to the state’s Supreme Court, hoping for clarity in their daughter’s tragic death.