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Greek police are continuing their investigation into the death of a British woman whose body was discovered inside a suitcase in central Athens, a case that has shocked both Greece and the United Kingdom.
The body of 38-year-old Elisabeth-Jane Ross, originally from Edinburgh, Scotland, was found on 18 July in an abandoned area of the Kypseli district. A homeless man made the discovery and immediately alerted authorities.
Ross had arrived in Athens from Edinburgh on 26 June for a holiday. Friends described her as a kind and caring person who had spent years helping homeless people and supporting charitable causes in Greece and other countries.
Police identified Ross through fingerprint records and launched a major investigation involving more than 60 officers from Greece’s homicide division. Authorities are also cooperating with international law enforcement agencies as they work to determine exactly what happened.
Early forensic examinations have not yet revealed a clear cause of death. Investigators said there were no obvious signs of injury or a struggle on her body. Experts believe she may have died several days before her body was discovered.
Detectives are now reviewing CCTV footage from the area and tracing Ross’s final movements. According to investigators, she stayed in a suburb near the Port of Piraeus until 15 July before telling friends she planned to spend time with American acquaintances in Athens.
Police have so far been unable to identify or locate those individuals, making them an important focus of the investigation. Authorities have interviewed several of Ross’s friends in Greece, but none are considered suspects.
Adding to the mystery, investigators revealed that Ross’s mobile phone was used after experts believe she had already died. Her father reportedly continued receiving text messages from her, leading him to believe she was safe. The messages suggested she wanted time alone and did not want to be contacted.
Police suspect the messages may have been sent by another person in an attempt to delay concerns about her disappearance. Investigators have traced the phone’s activity to Athens but have not yet recovered the device.
Authorities believe the suitcase was placed at the location shortly before it was discovered. While police have not officially classified the case as a murder, they are treating it as a highly suspicious death and are working to identify the person who left the suitcase behind.
Forensic experts are carrying out additional laboratory tests, including toxicology examinations, to determine the exact cause of death. Officials say the investigation is complex, but they remain confident that further evidence will help uncover the truth.
As police continue their search for answers, friends and local residents have left flowers near the site where Ross’s body was found, paying tribute to a woman remembered for her compassion and dedication to helping others.
