Greek police have disclosed the distressing final text messages sent from the mobile phone of Elisabeth Jane Ross, a 38-year-old Scottish woman whose body was discovered stuffed inside a suitcase and abandoned in a derelict building in Athens. The messages, transmitted after her death, were designed to convince family and friends that she was still alive.
Discovery and Initial Investigation
The body of Ross, believed to have been born in Scotland in February 1988, was found by a homeless man at approximately 1 p.m. on July 18 on Evelpidon Street in the Kypseli neighbourhood of Athens. Officers estimated she had been dead for around eight days, with no visible wounds or obvious signs of a struggle. The suitcase was inside a building that had stood empty for two years, and the rough sleeper reportedly followed a foul smell and noticed a human limb protruding before alerting authorities.
Text Messages Sent After Death
Text messages were sent from Ross's phone in the days following her death, up until she was formally identified by the media. On July 15, texts to her family claimed that Elisabeth "needed some time to herself" and "wanted to be alone for a while." Another message, sent on July 18 to a Greek friend she had known "for years" and had been staying with, read: "I need some time - I'm going to a Greek island." The phone remains unaccounted for and was active in the Athens area until approximately 24 hours before her identification. Her father, from Edinburgh, is believed to have received messages from July 15 to 29.
Police Statement and Crime Scene
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." Ross was not carrying identification when found; she was estimated to be around 30 years old, 5 feet 4 inches tall, with reddish hair tied in a bun, wearing black shorts with a French university insignia and a T-shirt.
International Cooperation and Post-Mortem
A post-mortem examination is scheduled in the coming days. Greek authorities have enlisted assistance from Interpol and US investigators. On Monday, Interpol informed the Hellenic Police that DNA testing confirmed the body was that of a British woman. Police Scotland is liaising with Greek authorities and offering support to her family.
Final Movements and Community Reaction
Ross is believed to have travelled to Greece on June 29 via Cyprus, having departed from the United States. Officers are speaking with anyone who had contact with her before her death and are trying to establish her final movements. A local resident noted the building was frequented by rough sleepers, and one regular occupant had not been seen for days. No suspect has been named at this stage.
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." A UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesperson added: "Our thoughts are with Elisabeth's family during this difficult time. We are providing consular support and are in contact with the local authorities."
