Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, considered a potential Democratic vice presidential nominee, is facing increased scrutiny over various actions during his time in office. Recent developments concerning two high-profile cases have rekindled public interest in his record. Here’s a closer look at the controversies surrounding him.
Review of the 2011 Death of Ellen Greenberg
Ellen Greenberg, a 27-year-old educator from Philadelphia, was discovered deceased in her apartment in January 2011, leading to a complex investigation that has remained contentious over the years. Initial findings of a homicide, due to the presence of 20 stab wounds, were later retracted when authorities declared the death a suicide, citing that her apartment door was locked from the inside. This decision has raised numerous questions, particularly from Greenberg’s family, who have consistently sought a reexamination of the case.
In 2018, the family’s attorney appealed to the new Philadelphia district attorney to reopen the investigation. However, citing a conflict of interest, the prosecutor redirected the case to the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office, headed by Shapiro. In February 2022, Shapiro’s office reaffirmed the suicide ruling, but the case was returned to the district attorney later that year amid public outcry. Critics have raised concerns regarding Shapiro’s ties to Greenberg’s fiancé’s family, prompting scrutiny of his impartiality.
In July 2023, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court agreed to hear a case initiated by Greenberg’s parents to determine whether coroners have absolute authority over death rulings. Additionally, the family has initiated legal action against multiple entities, including local police and the medical examiner’s office.
Handling of Sexual Harassment Allegations
Shapiro’s administration has also come under fire concerning allegations of mishandling a sexual harassment complaint by a former employee against Michael Vereb, the former head of legislative affairs. The complaint, submitted in March 2023, detailed months of alleged harassment and subsequent retaliation. The employee reported her resignation came after her claims went unaddressed, leading her to seek justice through legal channels.
In a turn of events, Shapiro’s office ultimately agreed to a settlement of $295,000 in September 2023, a decision accompanied by a nondisclosure agreement restricting both parties from making public statements regarding the case. Shapiro’s spokesperson recently clarified that the governor was not privy to the complaints until months after they were reported and underscored the administration’s stance against workplace harassment.
Concerns over Clemency Decisions on the Board of Pardons
Shapiro’s tenure as attorney general includes a notable record on the Pennsylvania Board of Pardons, where his clemency votes were examined in contrast to his contemporaries, including former Lt. Gov. John Fetterman. Reports indicated that Shapiro voted to commute a significantly lower number of sentences compared to Fetterman during their tenure. This difference came to light particularly in the case of two brothers, Lee and Dennis Horton, who sought clemency but were initially denied in a 2019 vote on which Shapiro’s vote was pivotal.
Later on, in 2020, Shapiro voted alongside the board to grant the Hortons clemency after new reviews of their cases. His office defended his record by noting that Shapiro had approved more pardons than all of his predecessors over the past 25 years. The ongoing discussions around his decisions in clemency cases have renewed focus on Shapiro’s leadership style. John Fetterman’s team has raised concerns that Shapiro’s approach to granting clemency was perceived as slow and inadequate in addressing the needs of those seeking a second chance.
