The murder case in Kypseli, Athens, has taken a new turn after security camera footage emerged showing the 26-year-old Afghan professional boxer accused of killing British woman Elizabeth-Jane Ross allegedly carrying a large suitcase believed by authorities to have contained her body.
According to CCTV footage, Sharif Ahmadzai is seen dragging a large black suitcase through the streets of Athens while also carrying a blue backpack.
He is then shown heading towards an abandoned building in the Kypseli area, where authorities believe he left the suitcase containing the woman’s remains.
Around 13 minutes later, he allegedly leaves the location without the suitcase and backpack.
Accused known for boxing and charity work
According to reports, Ahmadzai was known in Athens not only for his professional boxing career but also for his social work supporting refugees and vulnerable groups.
He reportedly arrived in Greece as an unaccompanied minor refugee in 2016, travelling from Afghanistan through Lesvos after a difficult journey.
He later settled in Athens, converted to Christianity and married American Aleyina Hall in 2023.
The couple founded the Christian organisation “Love Every Nation Athens”, providing support to refugees and families in need through food, medicine and essential supplies.
The 26-year-old also reportedly offered free boxing lessons to unaccompanied refugee minors while continuing his professional boxing career in Greece in the super lightweight category.
Wife’s testimony reportedly helped investigation
His wife is believed to have played a key role in the investigation after she contacted authorities when she became suspicious of her husband’s behaviour.
According to reports, she told police that she realised her husband was missing from their home during the early hours of 16 July.
Using a location-sharing application, she allegedly saw that he was at the apartment where Ross was staying.
After learning that the 38-year-old woman’s body had been found, she left the family home with their baby and informed authorities.
Authorities also reportedly found that the victim’s phone was activated in Arachova on 19 July, where telecommunications data and video footage allegedly placed the accused, his wife and their child.
Defendant denies murder charge
Ahmadzai denies killing Ross.
According to reports, he claims he found her already dead in the bathroom of her apartment. However, he has allegedly admitted to moving her body, using her bank cards to withdraw thousands of euros and sending messages from her phone to relatives and friends while pretending to be her.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the circumstances and possible motive behind the case.
British volunteer found dead in Athens
Elizabeth-Jane Ross, from Edinburgh, had been in Athens since late June taking part in volunteer activities supporting refugees and vulnerable groups.
Her last confirmed sign of life was recorded on the evening of 15 July. Afterwards, relatives and friends continued receiving messages from her phone, but reportedly became suspicious due to differences in writing style.
Her body was later found inside a suitcase in an abandoned building in Kypseli.
Greek authorities have charged Ahmadzai with intentional homicide, robbery and offences related to weapons legislation, while investigations remain ongoing.
Also read: Afghan suspect sent misleading messages after Briton’s death, claimed religious motive
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