Sharif Ahmadzai, the man accused of killing British woman Elisabeth-Jane Ross, reportedly turned his back on his Christian faith before her death, according to the Daily Mail.
Ross, 38, known as Lisa, was found dead inside a suitcase in a derelict building in Athens on July 18. Ahmadzai, an Afghan boxer, has been charged with homicide with intent.
Claims from Evangelical Sources
The Daily Mail spoke to two evangelical Christians who said Ahmadzai's wife, Alaina Hall, confided in them about concerns regarding her husband's changing behavior. Alaina reportedly told them that Ahmadzai had become more distant from his Christian faith and was spending more time boxing and with friends. She also expressed concern about him spending time in bars in Athens.
Background of Ahmadzai and Ross
Ahmadzai fled Afghanistan in 2016 and converted to Christianity after meeting Alaina through charity work in Greece. The couple run a charity called Love Every Nation, which supports homeless people and refugees in Athens. Lisa, a Christian aid worker, had met Alaina through volunteering and church meetings, and they became friends in February.
Alaina told investigators she last saw Lisa on July 12. When she asked her husband when he had seen Lisa, he allegedly said they last spoke on July 15, when Lisa asked him to accompany her while delivering a Bible. Alaina also reported waking shortly after midnight on July 15 to find Ahmadzai not at home; she checked his location on her phone.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
Ahmadzai was initially arrested on weapons offences before being charged with homicide with intent. He also faces allegations of stealing over €10,000 (around £8,500) from Lisa's bank accounts using her cards.
Greek authorities say Ahmadzai has admitted moving Lisa's body but denies killing her. His lawyer, Christos Erdos, confirmed his client did not answer questions during Thursday's hearing. A judge ordered Ahmadzai to remain in pre-trial detention while prosecutors gather evidence. He was escorted from court by masked police officers.
Investigation Details
Investigators said Ahmadzai became a suspect after examining CCTV footage near where Lisa's body was found. Police believe she died several days before being discovered, during a period when Athens temperatures reached 36C. She was formally identified using fingerprint evidence.
Lisa travelled to Greece on June 26 and initially stayed with friends in the port district of Piraeus. 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.”
