The final text messages sent from the phone of Elisabeth Jane Ross, a Scottish woman found dead in a suitcase in Athens, have been revealed by police. The messages were reportedly sent after her death to make it appear she was still alive.
Discovery of the Body
The body of 38-year-old Elisabeth Jane Ross was discovered by a homeless man on Evelpidon Street in the Kypseli neighbourhood of Athens around 1pm on July 18. Police believe she had been dead for approximately eight days. No visible wounds or clear signs of struggle were found. Her remains were inside a suitcase in a derelict building that had been empty for two years.
Text Messages Sent After Death
On July 15, texts were sent to Ross's family claiming she “needed some time to herself” and “wanted to be alone for a while.” A Greek officer stated: “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 Investigation
Initially, officers could not identify Ross because she had no identification on her. She was described as around 5ft 4in tall with reddish hair tied in a bun, wearing black shorts with a French university insignia and a T-shirt. Interpol and US investigators have been called in to assist. DNA testing confirmed the body belonged to a British woman.
Elisabeth is understood to have travelled to Greece on June 29 via Cyprus after coming from the US. Police are speaking with anyone who may have had contact with her before her death and are trying to trace her final movements. Two photos of Elisabeth smiling have been released by Greek outlet Cretalive.
Local Context
A resident near the scene told Greek media that the building was used by rough sleepers, and one man who stayed there regularly had not been seen for days. No suspect has been identified at this time.
Police Scotland are liaising with Greek authorities and providing support to Ross's family in Scotland. 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 added: “Our thoughts are with Elisabeth's family during this difficult time. We are providing consular support and are in contact with the local authorities.”
