The American couple who acted as adoptive parents to the Afghan boxer accused of killing a Scottish aid worker in Athens say they never saw any red flags.
No Warning Signs
Sharif Ahmadzai, 26, is charged with homicide with intent over the death of Elisabeth-Jane Ross, 38, whose body was found in a suitcase in a derelict building in Athens. The couple, who took him in for nearly two years on the Greek island of Lesvos, expressed disbelief at the charges.
They met Ahmadzai in 2016 while doing humanitarian work at the Moria refugee camp, where he worked as a translator. He called them "mum and dad" and became part of their family, even receiving Christmas presents and English lessons.
Heartbreak and Disbelief
The adoptive mother told the Mail: "When I heard the news, I couldn't imagine it to be true. Not in a million years. It doesn't feel real at all. I keep thinking I'm gonna wake up and it was a nightmare, and it's over. I'm heartbroken. I can't make any sense of it."
Her husband added: "Absolutely not, no. I mean, he had issues like everybody does, but no. There could be some trying times with him, but it was usually more rebellion against authority or just him feeling sorry for himself."
Court Proceedings
Ahmadzai appeared in court on Thursday, where his lawyer Christos Erdas said he did not submit a plea. He faces charges including homicide with intent and theft of more than 10,000 euros from Ms Ross's bank accounts. The judge ordered pre-trial detention pending further medical evidence.
Police said Ahmadzai was detained after surveillance footage review. He allegedly sent messages from Ms Ross's phone to her friends and family before switching it off, then texted her friends impersonating a jihadist.
Victim's Background
Ms Ross, from Edinburgh, is believed to have died days before her body was found, with temperatures reaching 36C. Authorities identified her via fingerprints. She entered Greece on June 26 and was initially staying in Piraeus. Tissue analysis is awaited to determine the cause of death.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office said: "Our thoughts are with Elisabeth's family during this difficult time. We are providing consular support and are in contact with the local authorities."
