- The body of Scottish aid worker Elisabeth Jane Ross was found in a suitcase in Greece, prompting a police investigation into her death.
- Sharif Ahmadzai, a 26-year-old from Afghanistan, arrived at the Athens Court of First Instance for a private hearing in connection with Ross's death.
- The coroner's initial report failed to determine a cause of death, but further examinations concluded it was an "obvious criminal act, likely asphyxiation".
- Ahmadzai was initially detained on illegal weapons possession charges and now faces a murder charge along with accusations of stealing over £10,000 (£8,573) from Ross's bank accounts using her cards.
- After allegedly murdering Ms Ross, Ahmadzai is accused of sending messages from her phone to her friends and family, impersonating a jihadist and claiming he killed her due to her religion.
- Ms Ross is believed to have died between five and seven days before her body was discovered, during a heatwave with temperatures reaching 36C.
- Authorities are awaiting results of tissue analysis to determine if she died from suffocation, while the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is providing consular support to her family.
Elisabeth Jane Ross, a 38-year-old Scottish aid worker, was found dead in a suitcase in a derelict building in Athens on July 18, after being reported missing.1
The suspect, Sharif Ahmadzai, 26, from Afghanistan, appeared in court facing charges of murder, robbery, and illegal weapons possession. He allegedly stole over €10,000 from Ross's bank accounts and impersonated a jihadist to mislead her friends about her disappearance.24
Ross, known as Lisa, had been volunteering with a refugee support group in Greece since June 26. Police believe she died between five and seven days before her body was discovered, during a heatwave with temperatures reaching 36°C.6
The coroner's initial report could not determine a cause of death, but further examinations suggested it was likely asphyxiation. The Hellenic Police identified Ross through fingerprints and Interpol assistance.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office expressed condolences, stating, "Our thoughts are with Elisabeth's family during this difficult time. We are providing consular support and are in contact with the local authorities." Police Scotland is also coordinating with Greek authorities to support Ross's family.
“He faces a murder charge and accusations he stole more than €10,000 (£8,573) from Ross's accounts using her cards; officials say he admitted moving the body but denied killing her. A preliminary coroner's exam found an "obvious criminal act, likely asphyxiation," and authorities are awaiting tissue analysis to determine if she died from suffocation.”
BBC
