The body of a 38-year-old British woman, Elisabeth Jane Ross, was found inside a suitcase in an abandoned building in Athens, sparking a murder investigation. The remains were discovered on July 18 in the Kypseli district, a central area of the city known for its population of homeless individuals and foreign nationals.

Ross, who was born in Scotland in 1988, had reportedly arrived in Greece on June 26. There are conflicting reports regarding her flight path; some sources indicate she traveled from Edinburgh via Cyprus, while others suggest she came from the United States through a connecting flight in Cyprus. Greek authorities have been working to reconstruct her movements within Greece and determine whether she was traveling alone.

Local police revealed that Ross had been staying with a Greek couple in Athens, who are currently being questioned about her activities leading up to her death. The building where her body was found had been occupied by homeless people, and an initial theory by some officials suggested Ross may have been lured there by a homeless individual. However, Konstantina Dimoglidou, a spokeswoman for the Athens police, denied that any homeless person was officially considered a suspect. The man who discovered the suitcase has also been questioned by investigators.

An examination of Ross’s body showed no visible injuries or signs of struggle, though the exact cause of death remains pending the results of an autopsy and toxicology tests. Forensic experts estimate she had been dead for approximately eight days before being found. Police are treating the building as a crime scene and are analyzing CCTV footage, mobile phone records, and witness statements as part of the ongoing inquiry.

Authorities noted that Ross’s mobile phone had been active after her estimated time of death, with messages sent in an apparent attempt to create the impression she was still alive. This detail is prompting investigators to explore the possibility of foul play involving others.

Her identification was confirmed through fingerprint records obtained via Interpol and U.S. law enforcement databases, a process necessary because her fingerprints were not held in Greek or British systems. Greek and Cypriot officials are collaborating to share information as they seek to trace the individual responsible for abandoning the suitcase.

The British embassy in Athens has been notified and is providing consular assistance to Ross’s family. Police Scotland confirmed it is liaising with Greek authorities and offering support to her relatives. Ross’s father has reportedly been informed of her death.

The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities appealing to the public for information regarding Ross's last known whereabouts and the circumstances surrounding her death.