In this episode, Dave and Steve explore the foundational principle of death investigations: treat every death like a homicide until it isn’t. Using the 2011 death of Ellen Greenberg as a case reference, they walk through the steps investigators typically take in unattended deaths and why beginning with the broadest possible approach protects the integrity of any final determination.

The conversation highlights how questions, doubts, and public confusion often arise when early investigative steps aren’t fully documented or clearly understood. By examining widely discussed points surrounding this case — from scene processing to medical classifications and evidence preservation — Dave and Steve illustrate how thorough initial procedure helps prevent uncertainty later on, regardless of the ultimate manner of death.

They also share The Detective’s Ten Commandments of Unattended Deaths, explaining how these guidelines support clarity, transparency, and trust in any investigation. The goal isn’t to judge past decisions, but to show how starting wide, staying neutral, and documenting everything ensures that the truth whatever it is can be confidently supported.

Philadelphia Office of the Medical Examiner autopsy report for Ellen Greenberg

https://crimetimelines.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Ellen-Rae-Greenberg-Autopsy-January-26-2011.pdf

Review of Philadelphia MEO case 11-0420 (Ellen Greenberg)”

https://dig.abclocal.go.com/wpvi/pdf/101325-wpvi-ellen-greenberg-death-dr-simon-review-PDF.pdf

https://www.lambmcerlane.com/news/fighting-chance-for-parents-in-ellen-greenberg-civil-suit-judge-says-lamb-mcerlane-partner-joe-podraza-the-attorney-for-the-greenbergs-quoted/

Connect with The Detectives Podcast: https://linktr.ee/thedetectivespodcast

Join us on Patreon for early access, ad-free episodes and bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/thedetectives

Shop official merch: https://www.tritonpublishing.net/thedetectivespodcast

Directly support the podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/thedetectives

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.