Forensic tests on Elisabeth Jane Ross, a British aid worker found dead in a suitcase in Athens on July 18, revealed traces of the antidepressant Fluoxetine in her system. Police are investigating whether Ross, 38, may have been forced to take the drug to calm her down on the day of her murder.
The amount of Fluoxetine found was small, suggesting it was not taken long-term. Investigators believe the drug could have been administered on the day she died to sedate her. Fluoxetine is commonly prescribed to treat depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Sharif Ahmadzai, a boxer from Afghanistan, is in custody in connection with Ross's death. He has been charged with homicide with intent, robbery, and illegal gun possession. Ahmadzai has denied killing Ross but admitted to moving her body and stealing her bank cards and phone.
Ross, originally from Edinburgh, Scotland, had been volunteering with NGOs assisting refugees and vulnerable groups in Athens since arriving on June 26. She was staying with friends in the Keratsini district before moving to the city center on July 2. Her body was discovered in an abandoned building on July 18, two weeks later.
Ahmadzai's wife, Alaina Hall, reportedly alerted authorities after he began acting suspiciously following Ross's death. CCTV footage allegedly shows Ahmadzai leaving the apartment where Ross was staying with a suitcase and abandoning it at the site where her remains were found.
During police questioning, Ahmadzai claimed he found Ross unresponsive on her bathroom floor and panicked. He stated he was advised by an unidentified elderly man to remove the body from the apartment to avoid trouble. Ahmadzai admitted to taking Ross's credit cards and withdrawing over €10,000, which he claims he gave to the same man as blackmail payment. He also admitted to sending messages from Ross's phone to reassure her contacts.
Forensic teams have faced challenges in determining the exact cause of death due to the decomposition of Ross's body. Additional laboratory analysis has been requested.
Ahmadzai, who arrived in Greece in 2016, converted to Christianity and married US-born Christian Alaina Hall in 2023. Together, they established a ministry called Love Only Nation to aid refugees in Athens. He is currently held at Korydallos Prison, a facility known for its harsh conditions.