The family of a Scots woman murdered in Greece have spoken of their “deep pain” following her death. Elisabeth-Jane Ross, 38, known as Lisa, was found dead by a homeless man in a derelict building in the Kypseli area of Athens on Saturday, July 18.
A Life Dedicated to Helping Others
The missionary, known as Lisa, has been described by her loved ones as “selfless”, adding she “dedicated her life to helping others in need”. Sharif Ahmadzai, 26, appeared in court in the Greek capital on suspicion of killing the aid worker, along with weapons offences and robbery charges.
Lisa had travelled to Greece from Edinburgh on Friday, June 26 and was initially staying with friends in Piraeus, a port area of Athens. Her 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.”
Suspect in Court
On Thursday, Ahmadzai - a professional boxer from Afghanistan - arrived at the Court of First Instance in Athens where he was detained on illegal weapons possession charges and a charge of homicide with intent. Ahmadzai’s lawyer Christos Erdos confirmed his client did not speak during Thursday’s hearing.
He did not submit a plea in relation to any of the three charges he faces. It is understood he denies murder and claims he found Lisa already dead on the bathroom floor.
The court complex is located on the city’s Evelpidon Street, a short walk from the derelict building where the charity worker’s body was found. Floral tributes have been placed on the ground next to the structure, with one card containing the words “Elisabeth-Jane Ross. Rest in peace” written in Greek.
Investigation Details
Police said the suspect was detained for questioning after investigators reviewed surveillance camera 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 switching off the device.
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 the Scot because of her religion, Greek newspapers Proto Thema and Ta Nea reported. The newspapers said his wife, a US citizen named Alaina Hall, told the police she suspected her husband’s involvement in the killing when she woke up to find he was not in their apartment and tracked his phone to where Ms Ross was staying.
Ms Ross is believed to have died a number of days before she was found, during which time temperatures reached 36C. Authorities were able to identify her using fingerprints.
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.”
