Forensic tests on Elisabeth Jane Ross, a British aid worker found dead in a suitcase in Athens on July 18, have revealed traces of the antidepressant Fluoxetine in her system. Authorities are investigating the possibility that Ross, 38, was forced to take the medication to calm her down on the day of her death.
Sharif Ahmadzai, a boxer from Afghanistan, has been charged with homicide with intent, robbery, and illegal gun possession in connection with the case. He denies killing Ross.
The amount of Fluoxetine found in Ross's system was small, leading investigators to believe she had not been taking the drug long-term and may have been given it shortly before her death. Fluoxetine is commonly prescribed for depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Ross, originally from Edinburgh, Scotland, had been volunteering with non-governmental organizations in Greece to assist refugees, homeless people, and other vulnerable groups, particularly those from Afghanistan and Iran. She had been in Athens since June 26 and was staying in the Keratsini district before moving to the city center on July 2. Her body was discovered in an abandoned building two weeks later.
Forensic examination of Ross's body has been hampered by decomposition, making it difficult to determine the exact cause of death. Further laboratory analysis has been requested.
Ahmadzai has confessed to moving Ross's body to the derelict site where it was found. He claims he discovered her corpse in a flat used by his NGO, Love Only Nation, which he and his wife, US-born Christian Alaina Hall, established to aid refugees. Ahmadzai alleges he panicked and, following the advice of an unidentified elderly man, moved the body to avoid getting into trouble. He has also admitted to stealing more than €10,000 from Ross's credit cards and using her phone to send reassuring messages to her friends and family. He claims he gave the stolen money to the elderly man, who he says blackmailed him.
Authorities began investigating Ahmadzai after his wife reportedly alerted them to his suspicious behavior on July 30. CCTV footage allegedly shows him leaving the apartment where Ross was staying with a suitcase and discarding it at the location where her remains were discovered.
Ahmadzai is currently held at Korydallos Prison, Greece's largest jail. Reports indicate he was recently attacked and beaten by other inmates shortly after his arrival at the facility.