Greek police arrested a 26-year-old man after the body of British tourist Elisabeth-Jane Ross, 38, was found inside a suitcase in an abandoned Athens building on July 18. Ross had arrived in the Athens area on June 26 and disappeared after saying she would visit "American friends" on July 15; messages from her phone suggested she wanted to be alone. Fingerprints matched to a U.S. biometric database helped confirm her identity, and surveillance footage led to the suspect, who admitted transporting the body and is suspected of using her bank cards. Toxicology tests are being expedited and formal charges are pending as the investigation continues.
Man Arrested After British Tourist Elisabeth-Jane Ross Found Dead in Suitcase in Athens
Elisabeth Jane Ross (left); and the deserted building Athens, Greece where her body was found.Credit: Handout; ntime News/Shutterstock
Greek police have arrested a 26-year-old man after the body of British tourist Elisabeth-Jane Ross, 38, was discovered inside a suitcase in an abandoned building in Athens on July 18.
What Happened
Ross arrived in the Athens area on June 26 and had been staying with Greek friends. According to investigators and multiple news outlets, she told friends on July 15 that she planned to visit her "American friends" but was not seen again after that day. Friends reported receiving a message from her phone on July 15 in which she said she "needed some time to herself" and wanted to be alone. Her father later told police he continued to receive messages from her device until the remains were identified.
Investigation And Arrest
Investigators located Ross' body on July 18 and confirmed her identity using fingerprints matched to a U.S. biometric database, where she had previously worked. Surveillance footage helped lead police to a suspect, who has confessed to carrying Ross' body in a suitcase, Greek authorities said. The man is also suspected of using Ross' bank cards to withdraw cash.
Elisabeth Jane Ross.Credit: Handout
Authorities say the suspect may face charges including manslaughter, robbery and weapons offenses, though formal charges are still pending. Police are expediting toxicology testing to determine Ross' cause and manner of death; officials have said the case is not yet being treated as a confirmed homicide while forensic results are awaited.
Other Details
Earlier in the probe, police appealed for information about a "heavily tattooed" man believed to be homeless, but officials have not confirmed whether the arrested suspect is the same person previously sought. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities gather forensic and financial evidence.
Family And Tributes
Family and friends have paid tribute to Ross, remembering her as "beautiful, loving and kind." An online message cited by media recalled her warm smile and care for others.
Note: This is a developing story. Authorities continue to investigate and update details as forensic results and formal charges are finalised.
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