New details have emerged in the Elizabeth Ross case, after the 38-year-old British woman was found dead inside a suitcase in an abandoned building in the Kypseli area of Athens.
According to Greek authorities, the last message received by her family claimed that she wanted to be alone, but investigators believe it was not sent by Ross herself.
Police suspect that whoever killed her used her mobile phone afterwards to send misleading messages to relatives in an attempt to hide her death, gain time and escape.
Phone activity raises questions
Ross’s body was discovered on Saturday, 18 July, inside a suitcase by a homeless person, who alerted police after noticing what appeared to be a human limb protruding from the luggage.
Investigators believe that from 15 July, three days before the discovery of her body, an unknown person sent messages to her family while pretending to be her.
The messages reportedly stated that she “needed some time for herself” and “wanted to be alone for a while”.
Her mobile phone, which remains missing, is believed to have remained active in the Athens area until around 24 hours before her identity was officially confirmed.
Evidence collected from suitcase and building
A police source told Greek media that the suitcase did not belong to Ross, as she was not travelling with large luggage.
Investigators believe this could increase the chances of finding DNA or fingerprints on the suitcase that may lead them to the perpetrator or perpetrators.
Authorities are also examining security camera footage from the wider area around the abandoned building.
Due to the weight of the suitcase, investigators believe those responsible may have lived close to the location where the body was abandoned.
Ross travelled through Cyprus before Athens
Ross, from Scotland, had travelled to Athens from Cyprus, where she had previously been staying, and was hosted by friends in Greece.
She had arrived in Europe from the United States on 29 June and was last seen on 15 July, shortly before the estimated time of her death.
Investigators say her phone continued to be used until her identity was made public, with messages allegedly sent to create the impression that she was still alive.
The abandoned building where the body was found is being treated as a crime scene.
Investigation continues
Greek authorities are awaiting toxicology results, which are expected to help determine the exact cause of death.
The initial examination of the body did not reveal visible injuries or signs of a struggle, while no identification documents were found.
Ross’ fingerprints were not matched in Greek databases but were found in US records, leading to her identification.
She was described as approximately 1.63 metres tall, with reddish hair tied in a bun, wearing black shorts and a top. The shorts carried the name of a French university, which led authorities to contact Interpol.
Interpol in the United States later confirmed that the body belonged to Elizabeth Ross, born in February 1988.
Cyprus police cooperation expected
Greek authorities found that Ross entered Greece on 29 June from the United States via Cyprus.
Police have requested passenger details from the airline she travelled with to determine whether she was accompanied by another person.
Accommodation records are also being checked for any bookings made in her name.
Authorities estimate that Ross died five to seven days before her body was discovered.
Greek and Cypriot authorities are expected to cooperate closely as the investigation continues, while a post-mortem examination is expected to provide further answers.
The British Embassy in Greece and Ross’ father have been informed of her death. Investigators hope to take a statement from her father to gather information about her recent movements and activities.
The UK Foreign Office said consular support is being provided to the family, while Police in Scotland confirmed it is supporting Ross’ relatives and cooperating with Greek authorities.
Also read: 38-year-old British woman found dead in suitcase after leaving Cyprus
For more videos and updates, check out our YouTube channel
