The phone of a Scottish woman who was found stuffed in a suitcase and dumped in an abandoned building in Greece was reportedly being used after she died to make it appear as though she was still alive.
The remains of 38-year-old Elisabeth Jane Ross were discovered by a homeless man on Evelpidon Street in the neighbourhood of Kypseli, Athens around 1pm on July 18.
Elisabeth, who is understood to have been born in Scotland in February 1988, had been dead for approximately eight days. No visible wounds of any clear signs of struggle were found on the body, according to police.
It has now been claimed that Elisabeth’s phone was being used in an attempt to cover her death. As reported by the Daily Mail, a local police officer alleged messages were sent from her mobile in the days after her death up until she was identified by media.
The Greek officer said: “The phone was being used. Text messages were even sent obviously with a view to making people believe she was still alive. We are treating the building as a crime scene.”
View 3 ImagesElisabeth’s remains were discovered in an abandoned building(Image: cretalive.gr)
Elisabeth couldn’t be identified at first by attending officers at the scene because she reportedly had no identification on her. She was believed to be around 30 years old, 5ft 4in tall, with reddish hair tied in a bun and wearing black shorts, with a French university insignia on them, and a T-shirt.
The rough sleeper who found her said he followed a foul smell inside the deserted building which had lain empty for two years. It is understood he saw a human limb visible from the outside of a suitcase.
An autopsy is due to be carried out in the coming days. Interpol and US investigators have been called in by the Greek authorities to assist with the probe. On Monday, Interpol notified the Hellenic Police that DNA testing revealed that the body belonged to a British woman.
View 3 ImagesEvelpidon Street in the neighbourhood of Kypseli(Image: Google)
Elisabeth is understood to have travelled to Greece on June 29 via Cyprus after coming from the US. Officers are now speaking with anyone who may have come in contact with her prior to her death as well as trying to find out her final movements. Two photos of Elisabeth smiling have been released by Greek outlet Cretalive.
One local who lives near the scene previously told Greek media outlets the building where Elisabeth’s body was found was used by rough sleepers. The resident added that one man stayed there regularly but that he had not been seen for a number of days.
Police Scotland are liaising with authorities in Greece regarding the probe. Officers are also providing support to her family in Scotland. No suspect has been identified at this time.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We are aware of the death of Scottish woman in Athens and are liaising with authorities in Greece. Officers are providing support to her family in Scotland.”
A UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office spokesperson said: “Our thoughts are with Elisabeth’s family during this difficult time. We are providing consular support and are in contact with the local authorities.”
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