Body of 38-Year-Old Woman Found Inside a Suitcase in Greece, 2 Weeks After She Arrived in the Country

Authorities in Greece are conducting an investigation following the grim discovery of the body of a Scottish woman, identified as 38-year-old Elisabeth-Jane Ross. Her remains were found inside a suitcase located in an abandoned building in the Kypseli district of Athens on July 18. The chilling find came when a man experiencing homelessness spotted a human leg protruding from the suitcase and subsequently alerted local police.

The man contacted authorities around midday, leading to police cordoning off the scene on Evelpidon Street while forensic experts examined the body. Initial reports suggest that Ross had recently travelled to Greece from the United States, stopping in Cyprus before her arrival on June 29. She was reportedly staying with friends in the suburb of Keratsini, located near Athens.

Ross’s identification came through a biometric database in the United States, where she had previously worked. U.S. authorities promptly informed their Greek counterparts about her identity. According to local media outlet ERT News, Ross had been reported to have left her friends in Keratsini on July 15 to meet some acquaintances in Kypseli.

Family members have indicated that Ross communicated with her boyfriend on the same day she left for Kypseli. However, it was reported that her mobile phone continued to emit signals up until the morning of the day her body was discovered. This has raised suspicions that someone might have gained control of her phone and sent misleading messages to divert attention from her whereabouts.

Helena Smith, a correspondent for The Guardian in Athens, shared insights on the unfolding situation, noting the alarming possibility that someone had access to her phone after her death. This suggests a deliberate effort to hinder the investigation and possibly mislead both authorities and Ross’s close friends regarding her fate.

The investigation is being handled by the Homicide Department of the Hellenic Police. Officers are keen to ascertain the precise circumstances surrounding Ross’s death, including whether she travelled alone and her interactions during her time in Greece. They are also in the process of reviewing security camera footage from the vicinity of the discovery to gather additional evidence.

Local reports indicate that the suitcase found with Ross does not belong to her, and police are hopeful that it may yield critical DNA evidence or fingerprints that could lead to potential suspects. As the investigation continues, Police Scotland has confirmed they are liaising with Greek authorities and providing support to Ross’s family in Scotland.

While no further details have emerged from the Hellenic Police as of yet, this case has garnered significant media attention due to its unsettling nature, raising concerns about safety and security for individuals travelling abroad. As the investigation progresses, more information is anticipated to come to light, shedding light on the final days of Elisabeth-Jane Ross’s life and the events leading to this tragic incident.