Elisabeth Jane Ross, 38, known as Lisa, was found dead inside a suitcase by a homeless man in a derelict building in the Kypseli district of Athens on Saturday, 18 July.
Greek police have confirmed that a 26-year-old Afghan national has been arrested and charged in connection with her death.
Investigation details
The suspect faces charges of intentional homicide, robbery and weapons offences, according to local media. Investigators established that Lisa, originally from Edinburgh, arrived in Greece in late June and rented a ground-floor flat in Exarchia.
According to police, the accused had access to her apartment via a set of keys. Lisa was last known to have been in contact with a friend three days before her body was discovered. Loved ones grew alarmed after receiving text messages that appeared out of character with her usual writing style, suggesting someone else had her phone.
After examining CCTV footage and mobile phone data, recordings showed the suspect transporting a large suitcase from the Exarchia flat to the derelict building in Kypseli on the night of 16 July, reports the Daily Record. Shortly afterwards, he was captured on camera leaving the area with only a backpack.
The suspect's wife also provided vital evidence. She told investigators that a location-sharing app showed her husband at Lisa's flat during the night of 15 July and into 16 July. After Lisa's identity became public, she fled the family home with their child. She handed officers a mobile phone and €2,550 in cash that she believed may have belonged to the victim.
Confession and weapons charges
During questioning, the suspect allegedly claimed he discovered Lisa dead in the flat's bathroom before placing her body in a suitcase and disposing of it the following evening. However, police allege he later admitted to using the victim's mobile phone to impersonate her in messages sent to family members and friends, while also withdrawing funds using her bank cards.
A search of the suspect's property on 1 August uncovered a replica Glock-style pistol and a military-style knife, resulting in additional weapons charges. Police confirmed that forensic specialists were able to retrieve usable fingerprints from the victim despite the severe decomposition of her body. The fingerprints matched to Lisa were identified following cooperation from Interpol.
The suspect has been referred to the relevant prosecuting authority to face the charges. Lisa had travelled to Greece on a flight from Edinburgh on 26 June.
Tributes
An outpouring of tributes followed once news of her death emerged online. Her aunt said: "Lisa was my beautiful loving niece we can't believe this has happened."
Pauline Hood said: "I am totally devastated. One of the kindest souls I've ever met. Lisa would have done anything for anyone. She went that extra mile. She had a beautiful heart. I've got a lot of good memories of Lisa. Thinking of her friends and family at this most difficult time."
Edinburgh MSP Simita Kumar remarked: "My heart breaks for Elisabeth-Jane Ross, and my thoughts are with her family and friends. It's a tragic loss of such a young life. My deepest sympathies are will all who knew her."
She continued: "I am aware that Police Scotland are liaising with the Greek authorities, and I hope that those responsible will be brought to justice as quickly as possible. My office and I will do all we can to support Elisabeth-Jane's family through this unimaginable time."
