Body Found in Suitcase in Athens: British Woman Identified After Eleven Days
Wanderstayfinder.com – A body found in suitcase in Athens has finally been identified as belonging to a 38-year-old British woman, bringing closure to a mystery that captivated Greek authorities and international media. Eleven days after the initial discovery, and following an extensive appeal to foreign law enforcement agencies, Greek police confirmed the identity of the victim whose remains had remained unidentified until Wednesday.
“The remains, we can confirm, have been identified as belonging to a British woman,” one well-placed source told reporters.
Her next of kin have been formally informed of the identification. Investigators determined that the victim had been born in Scotland in 1988. Late on Wednesday, Greek media outlets named the victim as Elizabeth Jane Ross. She had been staying in Athens with friends, who reported seeing her for the last time on 15 July.
Investigation Details and Timeline
Adding to the mystery surrounding the circumstances of her death, it was revealed that her mobile phone had been fully operational until news of her identification was released. Police were alerted after a homeless man discovered the suitcase on 18 July in a derelict building in Kypseli, a district popular among foreign nationals in downtown Athens, according to the public broadcaster ERT. Ross had reportedly flown to the region from the US, arriving in Greece on 29 June, from Cyprus.
Greek homicide officers sent fingerprints to Interpol after drawing a blank on local databases. US authorities had provided evidence on the basis of the DNA that police released on Wednesday. Detectives cordoned off the building on Evelpidon Street as they investigated the circumstances surrounding Ross’s death.
A police spokesperson, Konstantina Dimoglidou, had previously said CCTV was being examined to try to trace Ross’s movements before her death. Authorities were treating the incident “as a criminal act, given how the body was found”, she told Skai TV. Airlines are also believed to have been approached as investigators try to reconstruct Ross’s journey to Greece and determine whether she was travelling alone.
Officials in Greece and Cyprus were scouring flight logs and hotel bookings. Local media, citing the results of a postmortem, said Ross had been dead for eight days before the discovery. There was “no evidence” of a struggle or signs of injury.
International Response and Local Context
Greek officials did not rule out UK investigators joining the inquiry. A British Foreign Office spokesperson said: “Our thoughts are with Elizabeth’s family during this difficult time. We are providing consular support and are in contact with the local authorities.” Greece is no stranger to British tourists dying in what is a popular holiday destination – often by drowning or as a result of road accidents – “but incidents like this are very rare”, officials said.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where exactly was the body found?
The body was discovered in an abandoned building located in Kypseli, a central Athens district known for its diverse international community. The specific building is situated on Evelpidon Street.
How long had Elizabeth Jane Ross been dead?
According to the postmortem examination, Ross had been deceased for approximately eight days before her body was discovered on 18 July.
What is the current status of the investigation?
Authorities are treating the case as a criminal act. They are examining CCTV footage, reviewing flight logs, and coordinating with both Greek and British investigators to determine the full circumstances surrounding her death.
Has the family been notified?
Yes, Elizabeth Jane Ross’s next of kin have been formally informed of her identification. The British Foreign Office is providing consular support to the family during this difficult time.
