Philadelphia, November 20, 2025 — More than a decade after the tragic death of Ellen Greenberg, the story continues to baffle, shock, and infuriate both the public and legal experts. Hulu’s new documentary series, Death in Apartment 603: What Happened to Ellen Greenberg?, directed by Nancy Schwartzman, has reignited one of the most mystifying true-crime cases of the 21st century. With 20 stab wounds, vanishing evidence, contradicting autopsies, and courtroom rulings that even experts struggle to explain, Ellen Greenberg’s death remains a case that refuses closure.

A Shocking Discovery

On that fateful day in 2011, 27-year-old Ellen Greenberg, a beloved teacher in Philadelphia, was found dead in her apartment with 20 stab wounds and numerous bruises. Her live-in fiancé, Sam Goldberg, discovered her body in the kitchen, the apartment door latch locked from the inside. For years, investigators and family members struggled with the impossibility of the scene: how could Goldberg, who broke through the latch to enter, have committed the act? Why was the only DNA on the knife Greenberg’s own? And why was there no apparent struggle?

The case was initially classified as a suicide, then reclassified as a homicide, and then reverted to suicide again. This revolving-door of conclusions has left legal experts, journalists, and the public bewildered.

The Hulu Documentary That Shook the City

Nancy Schwartzman, director and producer of the 2025 Hulu miniseries, has openly challenged the official medical findings. Death in Apartment 603 explores the evidence, interviews family members, and dives into the inconsistencies in the investigations. Schwartzman aligns herself with the Greenberg family’s belief that Ellen’s death was indeed homicide, not suicide.

“This case is outrageous,” Schwartzman told The Hollywood Reporter. “We’re all just shocked. Really shocked.” The documentary highlights both the tragedy of Ellen’s death and the baffling series of events that followed, which continue to prevent justice from being served.

The Medical Examiner Weighs In

On Monday, Dr. Lindsay Simon, Philadelphia’s chief medical examiner, released a new report reaffirming that Ellen Greenberg’s death was a suicide. According to Simon, after reviewing all evidence, including previous reports, statements, and even Schwartzman’s documentary, the death was “best classified as suicide.”

But this conclusion has not gone uncontested. William Trask, attorney for the Greenberg family, called Simon’s findings “a deeply flawed attempt to justify a predetermined conclusion” and accused the report of ignoring key evidence that contradicts suicide.

Trask further called the report “an embarrassment to the city and an insult to Ellen and her family.”

Conflicting Evidence and Vanishing Clues

The case of Ellen Greenberg is riddled with contradictions and disappearing evidence. At one point, the crime scene was professionally cleaned, erasing traces that might have clarified the situation. Witness statements, forensic analysis, and even historical records of Ellen’s mental health have been scrutinized, yet each piece seems to both illuminate and obscure the truth.

Greenberg’s anxiety and personal stress were noted by friends, family, and Goldberg himself. On the day of her death, she was under pressure to finalize student grades. Could this have been a trigger for suicide? Or were there darker forces at play, pointing toward foul play?

Schwartzman, in interviews, has been highly critical of the medical examiner’s methodology. She notes the bizarre inclusion of her own documentary as a reference in Simon’s report. “It’s like they needed the CliffsNotes version of the case,” Schwartzman said with a laugh. “They should be using microscopes, not Netflix.”

The Greenberg Family’s Perspective

For the Greenberg family, the ongoing saga is not just about legal classifications—it’s about justice for Ellen. They maintain that she was murdered and that the case has been mishandled from the start.

Trask, representing the family, has vowed to pursue all avenues to ensure accountability. “We will continue through every possible channel to get justice for her murder, by any means necessary,” he said. The family believes that a real homicide investigation would reveal critical evidence that has been overlooked or dismissed.

Public Fascination and Social Media Outcry

The Hulu miniseries has captured the attention of millions. Within the first week of release, the trailer alone reportedly amassed 38 million views. Viewers have been captivated not only by the mystery itself but also by the 9-1-1 call that documented Goldberg’s discovery of Ellen’s body—a call so strange and unsettling that it leaves listeners in shock.

The series has sparked heated online debates and a surge in social media conspiracy theories, with some viewers speculating on motives, hidden relationships, and potential cover-ups.

Legal Experts Weigh In

Legal analysts note the uniquely challenging aspects of the Greenberg case. The locked apartment door, lack of DNA evidence beyond the victim, and absence of documented domestic violence create a scenario that is difficult to reconcile with traditional homicide theories. At the same time, the sheer violence of the 20 stab wounds is atypical for suicide and more consistent with homicidal intent, experts argue.

“The case is a perfect storm of ambiguity,” said one forensic expert, who requested anonymity. “It’s rare to see a situation where both the homicide and suicide explanations seem to have credible evidence supporting them.”

The Role of Media in Shaping Perception

The release of Death in Apartment 603 has reignited debate over the role of media in influencing public perception of criminal cases. By combining interviews, forensic analysis, and dramatization, the documentary has amplified both awareness and controversy. Critics argue that media attention can pressure authorities, while supporters contend that documentaries can uncover overlooked evidence and renew investigations.

Schwartzman hopes that the exposure will encourage eyewitnesses or insiders to come forward. “Time and exposure tend to inspire people to provide information,” she said. “We’re hoping for new leads, unbiased external investigations, and a fresh look at the case.”

A Case That Defies Closure

After 13 years, Ellen Greenberg’s death continues to defy clear answers. Each new development—from the conflicting medical reports to the widespread public debate—adds layers of complexity. The tension between the official ruling and the family’s persistent claims of homicide fuels a narrative that captivates both crime enthusiasts and casual viewers alike.

The case raises profound questions about the justice system, forensic methodology, and institutional biases that can shape outcomes in controversial deaths. For many, the unresolved nature of Ellen Greenberg’s death is a stark reminder that even in a modern city like Philadelphia, justice can remain elusive.

What Happens Next?

As the debate rages on, both the Greenberg family and Schwartzman are committed to seeking truth and accountability. While Simon’s report keeps the official classification at suicide, the public discourse, fueled by Hulu’s documentary, ensures that the story remains in the spotlight.

Will new evidence emerge? Could another review overturn the suicide ruling? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear: the legacy of Ellen Greenberg will not be forgotten, and the mystery surrounding her death will continue to fascinate and haunt the public.

Netflix and Hulu viewers alike are left gripped, horrified, and questioning everything they thought they knew about the case. The story is not just a tale of death—it is a deep dive into justice, memory, and the human desire for answers.

The documentary has made clear that this case is far from over. From viral social media discussions to expert analysis, the battle for truth and justice for Ellen Greenberg is ongoing.