Toxicology tests are being carried out to determine whether foul play was involved in the death of Elisabeth-Jane Ross, a 38-year-old Scottish woman whose body was discovered stuffed inside a suitcase in a derelict building in the Kypseli area of Athens on July 18. She is believed to have died between five and seven days before her body was found.
Circumstances leading to her death
According to local media, after travelling to Greece, Ms Ross initially stayed with friends in the town of Keratsini, in the suburbs of Athens, before meeting American friends in Kypseli on July 15. It has been reported that Greek police believe her phone was used to send messages after her death in an apparent attempt to mislead those looking for her. Messages were sent from her phone in the days before her body was found.
Police investigation
A spokesperson for Greek police said: “No other evidence has emerged from the body or the suitcase that would allow us to identify another person. We are awaiting the result of toxicology tests to determine the cause of death, and ascertain whether foul play was involved. The investigation is ongoing.”
The identity of the body could not be established at first because it had no signs of identification. Greek police authorities later identified Ms Ross after Interpol examined fingerprint data.
Official responses
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.”
Background
Ms Ross is understood to be from the Edinburgh area.
