Greek authorities disclosed that text messages were sent from the mobile phone of Elisabeth Jane Ross, 38, after her death. Her body was found in a suitcase in a derelict building on Evelpidon Street in the Kypseli district of Athens on July 18 by a homeless man.
Discovery and Investigation
Police stated Ross had been dead for approximately eight days with no visible injuries or signs of struggle. The rough sleeper discovered her after noticing a human limb protruding from the suitcase and following a foul odor.
Detectives reported that text messages were dispatched from her phone in the days following her death up until she was identified by the media. On July 15, texts were sent to Ross' family claiming she "needed some time to herself" and "wanted to be alone for a while."
A Greek officer said: "The phone was being used. Text messages were even sent obviously with a view to making people believe she was still alive. We are treating the building as a crime scene."
Identification and Assistance
Initially, attending officers could not identify Ross as she had no identification. She was described as approximately 30 years old, 5ft 4in tall, with reddish hair tied in a bun, wearing black shorts bearing a French university insignia and a T-shirt.
A post-mortem examination is due within days. Greek authorities called on Interpol and American investigators to assist. Interpol informed Hellenic Police that DNA analysis confirmed the body was a British woman.
Travel and Ongoing Investigation
Ross is believed to have traveled to Greece on June 29 via Cyprus from the US. Officers are speaking with anyone who had contact with her before her death and attempting to establish her final movements.
A local resident said the building was frequented by rough sleepers, and one man who regularly stayed there had not been seen for several days.
Police Scotland are in contact with Greek authorities and providing support to her family in Scotland. No suspect has been identified.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "We are aware of the death of Scottish woman in Athens and are liaising with authorities in Greece. Officers are providing support to her family in Scotland."
A UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesperson 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."
