- Sharif Ahmadzai has been arrested and charged with murder, robbery, and illegal possession of a weapon in connection with the death of Scottish missionary Elisabeth-Jane Ross, whose body was found in a suitcase in Athens.
- Ross's body was discovered in a suitcase at an abandoned building in the Kypseli district of Athens on 18 July, several days after she was reported missing.
- On the night of 16 July, Ahmadzai was allegedly caught on CCTV carrying a large travel suitcase to a derelict building, where Ross's body was later found.
- Greek police reported that Ahmadzai admitted to transporting Ross's body and using her bank cards to withdraw money.
- Elisabeth-Jane Ross, known as Lisa, arrived in Greece on 26 June and was staying in the Kertasini area of Piraeus until 10 July.
- On 15 July, Ross informed friends she was going to Kypseli to meet 'American friends', and her last phone call was made that night.
- Police are investigating the motive behind Ross's murder, focusing on her last hours alive and potential confrontations with Ahmadzai.
- Initial medical reports suggest Ross likely died from asphyxiation, but toxicology reports are pending to confirm the cause of death.
Sharif Ahmadzai, a 26-year-old Afghan boxer, has been charged with the murder of Elisabeth-Jane Ross, a Scottish missionary found dead in a suitcase in Athens. Ross, 38, was reported missing on July 18, and her body was discovered in a derelict building shortly thereafter.126
Ross had been volunteering with One Heart, a refugee support group, and was described as a "precious" member of her church community. Peter Anderson, a pastor, stated, "Lisa's life was all about mission... it is a tragic loss."
Greek police reported that Ahmadzai admitted to transporting Ross's body and using her bank cards to withdraw €10,000 (approximately £8,500). Initial medical reports suggest she died from asphyxiation, with toxicology tests pending. Ahmadzai was captured on CCTV carrying a large suitcase from Ross's residence on July 16, the day after her last known communication.459
His wife, Alaina Hall, provided crucial evidence, becoming suspicious of his behavior and contacting authorities. She reported that Ahmadzai had given her money and a new iPhone, believed to be purchased with funds stolen from Ross. Police are investigating the motive, with theories ranging from robbery to a confrontation over Ross's attempts to persuade Hall to join a stricter Christian sect.
The investigation continues as authorities seek to clarify the circumstances surrounding Ross's death and the events leading up to it. Ahmadzai is expected to appear in court soon, facing charges of murder, robbery, and illegal possession of a weapon.
“Police say Ahmadzai admitted moving Ross's body and withdrawing €10,000 with her cards but denies murder, while his wife Alaina Hall gave key evidence after tracing him by phone. Ross's phone sent 'deliberately misleading' messages for days after her death as police study whether Ross confronted him over theft or spurned his advances.”
The Times
