An Afghan boxer has been arrested in connection with the death of Scottish aid worker Elisabeth Jane Ross, whose body was discovered inside a suitcase in an abandoned building in Athens, Greece.
The suspect, identified as 26-year-old Sharif Ahmadzai, was arrested after the remains of the 38-year-old were found in the Kypseli district of Athens on July 18, days after she was reported missing.
Ahmadzai, an Afghan-born refugee and champion boxer, is expected to appear before an Athens court on Wednesday as investigations continue.
Greek authorities believe the suspect had access to the apartment where Ross was staying and have reportedly identified CCTV footage showing a man believed to be Ahmadzai carrying a suitcase and a blue bag linked to the discovery of the body.
Police also said the suspect allegedly used Ross’s bank cards to withdraw money after her disappearance.
Ross, who was known to friends and family as Lisa, had travelled to Greece on June 26 and was volunteering with a refugee support organisation in Athens. She reportedly told friends she was travelling to the Kypseli area on July 15 to meet American friends.
Investigators are conducting further tests, including a fast-tracked toxicology examination, to determine the exact cause of her death.
During searches at Ahmadzai’s home, police said they recovered a replica pistol and a knife.
The suspect’s background has also drawn attention. Ahmadzai reportedly fled Afghanistan after losing his family in violence, travelled through Iran and Turkey, and later settled in a refugee camp on the Greek island of Lesbos. He eventually established a charity with his American wife to support refugees.
Ross was remembered by a church pastor as a passionate missionary who dedicated her life to helping people around the world.
Pastor Peter Anderson described her as “a very precious girl” whose death was a tragic loss.
Authorities are continuing investigations while seeking information from people who may have interacted with Ross before her death.
Tags:
