A 26-year-old Afghan man accused of the murder of 38-year-old British woman Elizabeth Jane Ross was taken to the Evelpidon courthouse in Athens on Wednesday to appear before an investigating magistrate.
Ross’s body was found on July 18 inside a suitcase in an abandoned building in the Athens neighborhood of Kypseli, three days after she was reported missing.
The suspect faces charges of intentional homicide, robbery and violations of weapons legislation. He denies the murder allegation, claiming that he found Ross dead in the bathroom of her apartment and, in a state of panic, decided to move her body.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the circumstances of her death and the possible motive behind the crime.
Security footage under examination
A key part of the investigation reportedly involves security camera footage.
According to information cited in Greek media, photographic evidence appears to show the 26-year-old walking on Evelpidon Street carrying a travel suitcase containing Ross’s body, along with a blue bag of unknown contents.
Authorities are also examining footage that shows the suspect leaving Ross’s apartment carrying luggage, heading toward the location where her body was later found, and returning shortly afterward without the items.
Wife’s testimony draws investigators’ attention
The testimony of the suspect’s wife is believed to have played an important role in the development of the investigation.
According to reports, the woman became suspicious of her husband’s behavior and contacted authorities. She discovered through a location-tracking application that on the night of July 15, while she was away from home, her husband was at the apartment where Ross lived.
After the discovery of Ross’s body, the woman reportedly left the home with their child and informed police of what she knew.
Connection through humanitarian work
Authorities are also examining the relationship between the suspect and Ross, as the two reportedly knew each other through their involvement in humanitarian work.
The 26-year-old and his wife had founded the Christian organization “Love Every Nation Athens,” which provides support to refugees and migrants.
Ross was also involved with humanitarian and Christian organizations and met the couple through these activities.
The apartment on Rethymnou Street where Ross lived belonged to the organization, while the suspect and his wife were reportedly in possession of keys to the property.
Authorities continue to examine all available evidence, including security footage, digital data and statements from people who had contact with both the suspect and the victim.
