The family of a British woman found dead in a suitcase in Greece have spoken of their 'deep pain' after the man suspected of her murder appeared in court. Elisabeth-Jane Ross, 38, known as Lisa, was discovered in a derelict building in Athens on July 18, several days after she was reported missing.
Family tribute
In their first statement since her death, Lisa's family said: "Lisa will always be remembered by us as kind, principled and selfless. Her integrity was absolute, and she dedicated her life to helping others in need. We are in deep pain, and we ask for time and privacy as we come to terms with our loss."
Ms Ross had been carrying out charity work in Greece over the summer as a Christian aid worker. Sharif Ahmadzai, 26, a boxer from Afghanistan, appeared in court on Thursday, where he was charged with robbery and weapons offences.
Court appearance
Ahmadzai appeared at the Court of First Instance in Athens, where he was detained on charges of illegal weapons possession and homicide with intent. He did not speak during the hearing and did not submit a plea regarding the three charges he faces. He denies murder, according to local reports, and claims he found Lisa already dead on the bathroom floor.
Ahmadzai is said to have met Lisa through his American wife Alaina Hall, with whom he runs a charity named Love Every Nation. Hall allegedly told police she suspected her husband's involvement in the killing when she woke up to find he was not in their flat, and tracked his phone to the complex where Ms Ross was staying.
Investigation details
Police said the suspect was detained for questioning after investigators reviewed CCTV footage recorded nearby. After allegedly killing Ms Ross, Ahmadzai is accused of sending a series of messages from her phone to her friends and family before turning it off.
He is then said to have bought another phone and texted her friends in Athens, including his wife, impersonating an unnamed jihadist saying he had killed her because of her religion. Ms Ross is believed to have died a number of days before she was found at an abandoned building in the Kypseli district of Athens, during which time temperatures reached 36C. Authorities were able to identify her using fingerprints.
Reaction and support
Floral tributes have been placed on the ground next to the building, with one card containing the words "Elisabeth-Jane Ross. Rest in peace" written in Greek.
A Foreign 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."
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."
