Body of Scottish woman found in suitcase in Athens identified; phone used after death
Greek police have identified the body found in a suitcase in an abandoned Athens building as 38-year-old Scottish woman Elisabeth-Jane Ross, eleven days after the discovery. Her phone was used to send messages after her death, and investigators are treating the case as a homicide.
Discovery in Kypseli
On 18 July 2026, a homeless man followed a strong odour into an abandoned building on Evelpidon Street in the Kypseli district of central Athens. Inside the attic he found a suitcase with a human limb protruding. The body, wrapped in cloth and placed inside a garbage bag within the suitcase, was later identified as 38-year-old British national Elisabeth-Jane Ross.
The remains, we can confirm, have been identified as belonging to a British woman. Her next of kin have been informed.
Victim's last movements
Ross, born in Scotland in 1988, had travelled from the United States, arriving in Greece on 29 June via Cyprus. She was staying with friends in Athens and was last seen alive on 15 July. Forensic estimates indicate she died between five and seven days before the discovery, though one local media report citing a post-mortem placed the death eight days earlier. No visible injuries or signs of struggle were found on the body.
- Elisabeth-Jane Ross arrives in Greece from Cyprus after travelling from the United States.
- Last confirmed sighting of Ross by friends she was staying with in Athens.
- Homeless man discovers body in a suitcase in an abandoned Kypseli building.
- Greek police confirm identity as Elisabeth-Jane Ross via Interpol and US DNA records.
Phone activity after death
Investigators discovered that Ross's mobile phone remained active after her presumed death. Messages were sent from the device in what police believe was an attempt to create the impression she was still alive. The phone was switched off shortly after the case received international attention and has remained inactive since.
Messages were also sent, obviously with the intent to make it seem she was still alive.
International identification effort
Local fingerprint databases yielded no match, prompting Greek homicide detectives to seek Interpol's assistance. US authorities provided DNA evidence based on records from a previous work trip Ross had made, enabling confirmation of her identity on 29 July. Police spokesperson Konstantina Dimoglidou told Skai TV that CCTV footage was being examined to trace Ross's movements, and airlines had been approached to determine whether she travelled alone.
Family and consular response
Ross's father has been notified. Police Scotland confirmed it is liaising with Greek authorities and providing support to the family. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said it is offering consular assistance.
Our thoughts are with Elizabeth's family during this difficult time. We are providing consular support.
Greek police are treating the death as a criminal act given the concealment of the body. Toxicology results are awaited, and no arrests have been announced.
