Greek police have arrested a 26-year-old foreign man in connection with the death of Elisabeth-Jane Ross, 38, from the Edinburgh area. Her body was found inside a suitcase by a homeless man in a derelict building in the Kypseli area of Athens on July 18.
The suspect was identified through analysis of video footage and confessed on Thursday, according to the Hellenic Police. He is believed to have placed Ms Ross's body in the suitcase and taken it to the abandoned site.
Investigation and charges
Between the time she is thought to have died and the discovery of her body, someone reportedly used Ms Ross's mobile phone to send messages purporting to be from her. The suspect is also said to have used her bank card to withdraw money in the following days.
A replica pistol and a knife were found at the suspect's home. Police have filed a case against him for manslaughter, robbery and violation of weapons laws.
Victim identification and timeline
The Hellenic Police said they identified Ms Ross using fingerprints. Toxicology tests were being carried out earlier this week to establish whether foul play was involved in her death, and a cause of death has not yet been given.
Ms Ross entered Greece on June 26 and initially stayed with friends in Piraeus. She is then said to have gone to meet American friends in another part of the Greek capital, but it is unclear if this ever happened.
Official statements
Greek police spokesperson Konstantina Dimoglidou previously said: "Our priority is to get to the bottom of who left the suitcase. Whoever they were was careful not to leave fingerprints or DNA."
"We've had the entire homicide division of the Greek FBI working on the case. We're in contact with other police forces. We're going to solve this," she added.
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."
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "We are aware of the death of a Scottish woman in Athens and are liaising with authorities in Greece. Officers are providing support to her family in Scotland."
