Greek authorities are investigating the death of Elizabeth Jane Ross, a 38-year-old British woman whose body was found inside a suitcase in a derelict building in the Kypseli district of Athens on July 18. The discovery was made by a local homeless man who noticed a limb protruding from the suitcase in an abandoned car park, an area frequented by drug users and homeless people.

Ross, originally from Edinburgh, was believed to have died several days before the body was found, with forensic experts estimating the time of death to be between five and eight days prior to discovery. She arrived in Athens on June 26, flying directly from Scotland, and initially stayed with friends in Keratsini, a port district near the city. On July 15, Ross told her Greek acquaintances she was planning to spend time with American friends in central Athens, specifically in Kypseli, although her Greek contacts have been cleared of any involvement in the incident.

Investigators are focusing on tracing these Americans, a key lead in the ongoing inquiry. Police sources have indicated that Ross’s mobile phone was used to send text messages even after her death, with messages sent to family and friends suggesting she needed time alone and was traveling to a Greek island. These messages, along with continued phone activity in the Athens area following her disappearance, are believed to have been an attempt to create the impression she was still alive. The phone has not yet been recovered.

Initial examinations of the body revealed no visible injuries or signs of struggle. Greek authorities are awaiting results from toxicology and post-mortem tests to determine the cause of death and whether foul play was involved. While there was no immediate evidence pointing to third-party involvement from the body or the suitcase, investigators are treating the case as suspicious given the circumstances.

Authorities have been reviewing CCTV footage, conducting house-to-house inquiries, and searching nearby areas, including locations frequented by vulnerable populations, as part of the investigation. Forensic teams have submitted fingerprints and DNA samples to Interpol after local databases yielded no matches, with the assistance of U.S. authorities helping to confirm Ross’s identity.

The case has drawn local attention amid concerns about safety in Kypseli, a neighborhood described by residents as a run-down area with ongoing drug and homelessness issues. Mourners left flowers and messages at the scene, reflecting shock and sympathy.

Both the Scottish government and the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office have expressed condolences and are providing support to Ross’s family as the investigation continues. Police Scotland is liaising with Greek authorities to assist with the case. The inquiry remains ongoing as officials work to clarify the circumstances that led to Ross’s death and identify those responsible.