Sharif Ahmadzai, a 26-year-old professional boxer and Afghan refugee, has been charged with homicide with intent in connection with the death of Lisa Ross, a 38-year-old missionary from Edinburgh. Ross’s body was discovered on July 18 in a derelict building in the Kypseli district of central Athens, concealed inside a suitcase. A homeless man made the grim discovery.

Ahmadzai, who fled Afghanistan in 2016, had reportedly converted from Islam to Christianity and met his American wife, Alaina Hall, through a non-governmental organization that supported refugees. The couple later established a refugee charity and became acquainted with Ross. Ahmadzai has appeared in court but entered no plea. While he has admitted to moving Ross’s body, he denies involvement in her death.

According to sources close to the case, Hall provided significant evidence during the investigation. She reportedly expressed concerns about their marriage deteriorating, attributing it to Ahmadzai’s waning commitment to Christianity. Raised in a devout Christian family, Hall and Ahmadzai, who came from a strict Muslim background, experienced tension as his religious fervor reportedly lessened.

Evangelical acquaintances of Hall described Ahmadzai’s recent behavior as increasingly detached from religious activities. “He became more aloof and focused on boxing and his friends than doing God’s work,” one source said. Hall is said to have observed that Ahmadzai frequented bars as if he were single, prompting unease about his conduct.

The accounts suggest that Hall believed Ahmadzai’s shift in priorities may have led to conflict. “Maybe she challenged Sharif and he hit out in anger,” a source commented. Given Ahmadzai’s background as a boxer, they noted that even a single punch or push could have caused serious harm.

No further details about the circumstances surrounding Ross’s death have been released. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities seek to clarify the events leading up to the incident.