Athens police are continuing their investigation into the death of Elisabeth Jane Ross, a Scottish woman whose body was discovered inside a suitcase in a derelict building in the Greek capital on July 18. Authorities have confirmed that the exterior of the suitcase was free of fingerprints and DNA, deepening the mystery surrounding her death.
Ross, 38, who was from Edinburgh, had traveled to Greece approximately three weeks prior to her discovery. Greek police spokeswoman Konstantina Dimoglidou stated that investigators are focused on identifying who left the suitcase, noting that the individual was careful to leave no forensic trace. The homicide division of the Greek FBI is working the case, with assistance from Police Scotland, who have interviewed Ms. Ross's friends in Inverness.
Experts are still working to determine the exact cause of Ms. Ross's death. Initial reports indicate that her body showed no obvious signs of physical injury. A homeless man discovered the body in the Kypseli area of Athens after reporting a foul odor and a limb protruding from the suitcase.
Investigators are also seeking another homeless man, identified as Markos, who reportedly lived in the building and has not been seen since Ms. Ross's body was found. Police are analyzing activity on Ms. Ross's phone, which sent messages to friends and her father for 11 days after her death, until her public identification on July 29. These messages, which suggested she wanted to be alone or was traveling to a Greek island, are believed to have been sent by whoever possessed her phone in an attempt to delay discovery or dissuade concern.
Ms. Ross had flown to Athens from Edinburgh on June 29. She had a history of traveling to Greece to volunteer with non-governmental organizations and assist abused women, and had also worked in the United States and South Africa. During her most recent visit, she stayed with friends in Keratsini before telling them she was going to stay with American friends in Kypseli on July 15. However, police have been unable to locate these alleged friends, and local officer George Kalliakmanis expressed skepticism about their existence, stating that if they were genuine friends, they would have come forward by now.
