Ellen’s cousin, Debbie Schwab, told Dateline that her normally “bubbly” cousin had been struggling with anxiety for several months and was taking prescribed anti-anxiety medication.

Schwab also noted that, according to the report, Ellen’s psychiatrist had written in session notes shortly before her death that “there was never any feeling of suicidal thoughts.”

Reaffirmed the stance

Since her tragic death, Ellen’s parents has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars trying to overturn the ruling and get Ellen’s case reopened. They’ve brought in several renowned experts, including forensic pathologist Dr. Cyril Wecht and forensic neuropathologist Dr. Wayne Ross.

Both specialists concluded that Ellen’s wounds could not have been self-inflicted.

Dr. Ross even found possible signs of strangulation and said her death appeared to be staged.