Discovery of the Body
The body of Elisabeth Jane Ross, a 38-year-old Scottish woman, was found stuffed inside a suitcase in an abandoned building in the Kypseli district of Athens on July 18. A homeless man discovered the remains after following a foul odor and noticing a human limb protruding from the suitcase. Greek police confirmed that no visible wounds or signs of struggle were present on the body, and toxicology tests are currently underway to determine the cause of death.
According to Greek authorities, Ms Ross had been dead for approximately eight days before her discovery. She was initially unidentified due to a lack of identification documents. Described as about 5 feet 4 inches tall with reddish hair tied in a bun, she was wearing black shorts with a French university insignia and a T-shirt. The abandoned building had been vacant for two years and was known to be frequented by rough sleepers.
Tributes from Loved Ones
Heartbroken friends and family have paid tribute to Ms Ross, remembered as a "kind soul" with a "beautiful heart." Pauline Hood wrote on social media: "I am totally devastated. One of the kindest souls I've ever met. Lisa would have done anything for anyone. She went that extra mile. She had a beautiful heart." Jem Wren added: "Lisa was a lovely girl, I went to school with her. I just can't believe someone could do this to another person." Another friend, Anne Morrison, expressed hope that the perpetrator would be found and sent condolences.
Ms Ross, also known as Lisa, had traveled to Greece from Edinburgh on June 29 via Cyprus, after previously being in the United States. She initially stayed with friends in the Athens suburb of Keratsini before meeting American friends in Kypseli on July 15, just days before her death.
Investigation and Toxicology
Greek police are treating the case as a potential criminal act, with a spokesperson stating that there was no evidence on the body or the suitcase to identify a third party. Toxicology tests are expected to provide crucial information, and an autopsy is scheduled in the coming days. The homeless man who found the remains reported the odor and the protruding limb, leading to the discovery.
Local residents noted that the building was a shelter for homeless individuals, and one man who regularly stayed there had not been seen for several days. Police Scotland is liaising with Greek authorities and providing support to Ms Ross's family in Scotland. A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "We are aware of the death of a Scottish woman in Athens and are liaising with authorities in Greece. Officers are providing support to her family in Scotland."
Phone Messages After Death
Fresh details have emerged regarding attempts to conceal Ms Ross's death. Her mobile phone was used to send text messages after she died, apparently to make others believe she was still alive. On July 15, messages were sent to her family saying she "needed some time to herself" and "wanted to be alone for a while." After her death on July 18, a message was sent to a Greek friend stating: "I need some time - I'm going to a Greek island."
The phone remains missing but had been active in the Athens area until approximately 24 hours before Ms Ross was formally identified. Her father, from Edinburgh, had been receiving messages from July 15 to 29. A Greek officer stated: "The phone was being used. Text messages were even sent obviously with a view to making people believe she was still alive. We are treating the building as a crime scene."
International Assistance
Greek authorities have called in Interpol and US investigators to assist with the investigation. Officers are speaking to anyone who may have had contact with Ms Ross prior to her death. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office is providing consular support, with a spokesperson saying: "Our thoughts are with Elisabeth's family during this difficult time. We are providing consular support and are in contact with the local authorities."
No suspect has been identified at this stage. The investigation continues as toxicology results are awaited and forensic examination of the scene proceeds.
