Man Arrested in Connection with Scottish Woman's Death in Athens

A 26-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the death of a 28-year-old Scottish woman, Elisabeth-Jane Ross, whose body was found inside a suitcase in Athens. The body was discovered by a homeless man in a derelict building in the Kypseli area of Athens on 18 July. According to reports, Ross is believed to have died between five and seven days before she was found, although someone was using her mobile phone to send messages purporting to be from her.

The Hellenic Police were able to identify the victim using fingerprints. Ross, who is understood to be from Edinburgh, entered Greece on 26 June and was initially staying with friends in Piraeus. She then planned to meet with American friends in another part of the Greek capital, but it is unclear if this meeting took place.

The Hellenic Police analysed video footage to identify the suspect, who confessed on Thursday. The 26-year-old man, a foreigner, is believed to have put Ross’s body into a suitcase and taken it to the abandoned site where it was found. In the following days, he used her bank card to withdraw money.

A replica pistol and a knife were found at the suspect’s home, and police have filed a case against him for manslaughter, robbery, and violation of weapons laws. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has expressed its condolences to Ross’s family, stating that they are providing consular support and are in contact with the local authorities. Police Scotland is also liaising with authorities in Greece and providing support to Ross’s family in Scotland.