A 38-year-old British woman, Elisabeth Jane Ross from Scotland, was found dead inside a suitcase in an abandoned building in the Kypseli district of Athens on Saturday, July 18. Police are investigating the possibility that her phone was used to send deceptive messages to her family, suggesting she wished to be alone, in an effort to conceal her death and evade capture.
Detectives noted that messages, claiming Ross 'needed some time to herself' and 'wanted to be alone for a while,' were sent to her family from July 15, three days before her body was discovered. The phone, which remains missing, was reportedly active in the Athens area until approximately 24 hours before Ross was formally identified.
A police source indicated that the suitcase did not belong to Ross, as she was not carrying large luggage. This suggests that the perpetrators may have left behind genetic material or fingerprints within the suitcase, which could aid authorities in identifying them. Investigators are examining CCTV footage from the vicinity of the abandoned building, and due to the suitcase's weight, they believe the individuals responsible may have been staying nearby.
The alarm was raised around 1 p.m. on Saturday when a homeless man reported spotting a suitcase with what appeared to be a human limb protruding from it. The body was subsequently identified as Ross, who had traveled from Cyprus to Athens and was staying with friends. She had flown from the United States to Europe on June 29.
Ross was last seen shortly before the suspected time of her death on July 15. Forensic scientists believe the crime occurred around this date. The initial examination of the body revealed no obvious injuries or signs of struggle, and no identification was found on her person. Fingerprints taken did not match any in the national database but were registered in American databases, leading to her identification through Interpol.
Authorities are awaiting toxicological test results to determine the cause of death. Ross was described as approximately 5 feet 4 inches tall with reddish hair, wearing black shorts and a T-shirt. The shorts bore the name of a French university, which prompted Interpol's involvement. Her identity was confirmed by Interpol's office in America, which notified Hellenic Police that the body belonged to a British national born in February 1988.
Investigators are requesting passenger information from the airline Ross used to determine if she was traveling with anyone and are checking local accommodation registries. Police estimate her death occurred between five and seven days before the body was found. The British Embassy in Greece and Ross's father have been notified. Police intend to speak with her father for further information regarding her recent activities. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office confirmed they are providing consular support and are in contact with local authorities. Police Scotland stated they are aware of the death and are liaising with Greek authorities while supporting the family in Scotland.