Scottish woman Elisabeth Jane Ross, 38, also known as Lisa, was found dead inside a suitcase in an abandoned building in the Kypseli district of Athens on 18 July. A homeless man discovered her remains at approximately 1pm. Greek authorities reported no visible injuries or signs of a struggle. Toxicology examinations are underway to determine if the death resulted from a criminal act.
Devastated loved ones have paid tribute on social media. 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." Jem Wren wrote: "Lisa was a lovely girl, I went to school with her. I just can't believe someone could do this to another person. Bless her and her family. RIP." Anne Morrison commented: "I hope they find out who did this! Sending condolences to Lisa's family and friends!"
Investigation Details
Officers initially could not identify Ms Ross as she had no identification documents. They estimated she was around 30 years old, standing 5ft 4in, with reddish hair in a bun, wearing black shorts with a French university logo and a T-shirt. The homeless man traced a putrid odour to the building, which had been vacant for two years, and saw a human limb protruding from the suitcase.
Ms Ross travelled to Greece from Edinburgh on June 29 and first stayed with friends in Keratsini, a suburb of Athens, before meeting American acquaintances in Kypseli on July 15. Her mobile phone was used to send messages after her death, including texts to relatives stating she "needed some time to herself" and to a Greek friend saying she was going to a Greek island. The phone is unaccounted for and was last active near Athens until about 24 hours before she was identified.
Phone Messages and Investigation
A Greek police 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." A post-mortem examination is scheduled. Greek authorities have enlisted Interpol and American investigators. Police Scotland is liaising with Greek authorities and offering support to her family.
No suspect has been named. A Police Scotland spokesman 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 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."
