An Afghan boxer accused of killing a British charity worker and dumping her body in a suitcase in Athens has been pictured. Sharif Ahmadzai, 26, is suspected of murdering Elisabeth Jane Ross, 38, on July 18.
Discovery of the body
Her remains were found by a homeless man in an abandoned house, wrapped in a bin bag and stuffed inside a suitcase. Ross had told friends she was going to stay with an American couple before she vanished.
Suspect's claims
During interrogation, Ahmadzai allegedly told detectives that Elisabeth was already dead when he found her. He claimed he only put her in a suitcase to steal her money without drawing suspicion.
Background
Ahmadzai arrived in Lesvos in 2016 and later married American Alaina Hall in 2023. The couple ran an organisation called Love Every Nation Athens, through which they reportedly met Elisabeth. His wife allegedly told police her husband went missing on July 15, but his shared location showed him at Elisabeth's flat, to which the couple had a key.
Charges and evidence
Greek police said Ahmadzai confessed and has been charged with manslaughter, robbery, and weapon violations. A raid of his home found a fake pistol and a knife.
Phone activity
Detectives believe someone was using Elisabeth's phone to send messages, creating the impression she was alive. The phone was switched off when the case gained international attention. Texts claimed she 'needed some time to herself' and 'wanted to be alone for a while'. Police told Greek media: 'The phone was being used. Text messages were even sent obviously with a view to making people believe she was still alive.'
