Human remains found in suitcase in abandoned Athens building, police investigate
A homeless man discovered the suitcase around 2 p.m. on Saturday at an abandoned building on Evelpidon Street. The limb was in advanced decomposition, and authorities are working to identify the victim.
Discovery
At approximately 2 p.m. on Saturday, 18 July 2026, a homeless man who had been using an abandoned building at Evelpidon Street 7 in the Kypseli neighborhood of Athens as a temporary shelter noticed a strong, unusual odor. Investigating the source, he found a discarded suitcase from which a human leg was protruding. He immediately alerted the authorities, prompting a large police response.
Police and forensic response
Officers from the Hellenic Police (ELAS) arrived swiftly and cordoned off the area around the building. Specialized teams from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations began collecting genetic material, fingerprints, and any other trace evidence that could help identify the victim or the perpetrator. A medical examiner was dispatched to the scene. The case has been assigned to the Sub-Directorate for Crimes Against Life, though some reports indicate it has also been referred to the newly established Directorate for Combating Organized Crime. Police are also gathering footage from security cameras in the vicinity to map the movements of whoever transported and abandoned the suitcase.
The remains and forensic examination
The suitcase contained human remains, at least one leg, which were in an advanced state of decomposition. Due to the condition of the limb, authorities could not immediately determine the gender of the victim. Initial estimates, cited by some outlets, suggest the remains may belong to a man, but this remains unconfirmed. The forensic examination will aim to establish the victim's gender, approximate age, the exact time and cause of death, and whether the dismemberment was the primary cause of death or a post-mortem act intended to conceal the crime.
The abandoned building
The building on Evelpidon Street had been unoccupied for about three years. According to a local resident, the space was accessible until roughly two years ago, when it served as a refuge for homeless people. A fire subsequently broke out, after which the building was sealed. In recent weeks, a homeless man had been sleeping in the vicinity, but his traces have disappeared in the past few days, a detail that investigators are examining closely. Police are attempting to locate this individual as part of the investigation.
Next steps
As of Saturday afternoon, the investigation is ongoing. Authorities are awaiting the results of the forensic analysis to provide answers about the victim's identity and the circumstances surrounding the death. No arrests have been made, and the police have not released further details.
