Elisabeth-Jane Ross: Unanswered Questions Surround British Woman's Death in Athens
Investigation into the discovery of a 38-year-old's body in a suitcase focuses on misleading phone messages and her final movements.
Callum Smith
The body of Elisabeth-Jane Ross, 38, was discovered in a suitcase within a derelict building in the Kypseli area of Athens on July 18, sparking an international investigation.
Interpol fingerprint data confirmed her identity as Ms. Ross, verifying her travel to Greece from Edinburgh on June 29. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office now provides crucial consular support to her grieving family.
A spokesperson for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office stated, 'Our thoughts are with Elisabeth’s family during this difficult time. We are providing consular support and are in contact with the local authorities.'
Police Scotland maintains close liaison with Greek authorities, offering support to the family in Scotland. A Police Scotland spokesperson confirmed, 'We are aware of the death of a Scottish woman in Athens and are liaising with authorities in Greece. Officers are providing support to her family in Scotland.'
Investigators believe messages originated from Elisabeth-Jane Ross's phone to her family between July 15 and her discovery, claiming she desired solitude. Greek police assert her phone saw active use to send messages after her death in an apparent attempt to mislead those searching for her.
The phone was being used. Text messages were even sent obviously with a view to making people believe she was still alive.
A Greek officer stated, 'The phone was being used. Text messages were even sent obviously with a view to making people believe she was still alive.' The officer added, 'We are treating the building as a crime scene.'
Someone controlled Ms. Ross's mobile phone after her death, sending messages to distract authorities and friends from tracking her down. Toxicology tests are currently underway to determine the precise cause of death and ascertain any involvement of foul play.
A post-mortem examination also expects to provide critical insights. A spokesperson for Greek police stated, 'No other evidence has emerged from the body or the suitcase that would allow us to identify another person.'
The spokesperson added, 'We are awaiting the result of toxicology tests to determine the cause of death, and ascertain whether foul play was involved. The investigation is ongoing.'
No other evidence has emerged from the body or the suitcase that would allow us to identify another person. We are awaiting the result of toxicology tests to determine the cause of death, and ascertain whether foul play was involved. The investigation is ongoing.
The building where Elisabeth-Jane Ross's body was found had stood vacant for two years and reportedly saw frequent use by homeless individuals. A local resident claims one man, who regularly sheltered at the abandoned structure, has not been seen for several days, though no suspect has been identified at this time.
The British Embassy in Greece received official notification of the death. A spokesperson for Greek police added, 'Further details have been requested regarding when she arrived in Greece, how, and with whom.'
The spokesperson concluded, 'We cannot provide further details at this stage, as the investigation is fully under way.' The ongoing inquiry seeks to reconcile the lack of visible injuries with the strong suspicion of foul play.