Suspended psychologist commits suicide

A prominent Seattle psychologist under investigation by the state Board of Psychology for secretly videotaping a woman in his office bathroom committed suicide in a Renton hotel on Wednesday.

Stuart Greenberg, who had been licensed in Washington for more than 25 years, was arrested earlier this month on suspicion of voyeurism.

The King County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed that an autopsy was done on Greenberg today. But the cause of death won't be released until toxicology tests are completed.

Greenberg's wife said he left a note that read: "I wish I could offer you some adequate explanation ... [but] I just don't know. I deeply and profoundly apologize."

Employees of the Clarion Hotel, 3700 E. Valley Road, dialed 911 around 2:15 p.m. when they found what they believed to be a suicide note, said Renton police spokeswoman Penny Bartley.

Police found Greenberg dead in a bathroom at the hotel. Bartley wouldn't say what was written in the note.

Greenberg checked into the hotel Monday evening, Bartley said.

The King County Prosecutor's Office had been reviewing whether to charge Greenberg, said spokesman Dan Donohoe.

Meanwhile, the Psychology Board had suspended Greenberg's license, which means he couldn't practice pending further action by the board.

According to the board, Greenberg hid a camera in his office bathroom that was used by co-workers and patients at his practice.

Washington courts frequently appointed him as an evaluator in child-custody cases, and he was a consultant for the Archdiocese of Seattle when it was defending itself in sexual-abuse cases involving priests.

Greenberg's wife, Marcia Greenberg, issued the following statement this afternoon:

"We are overwhelmed by loss and with grief that we could not convince Stu life was worth living. Stu had great gifts and flaws, but to us he was a much loved husband, father, brother, and son. We miss him terribly."

Jennifer Sullivan: 206-464-8294 or jensullivan@seattletimes.com