Murder Trial of Afghan Boxer Accused of Killing Scottish Woman in Athens
A man accused of killing a Scottish woman and disposing of her body in a suitcase has appeared in court in Athens. The 26-year-old suspect, believed to be Sharif Ahmadzai, an Afghan boxer, is facing charges of murder and theft. Elisabeth-Jane Ross, 38, was found in a derelict building in the Kypseli area of Athens. The suspect admitted moving the body but denied the murder allegations. He allegedly sent messages from the victim's phone to her friends and family after the crime.
The court hearing, held in private, took place on Evelpidon Street, near where the victim's body was discovered. Ahmadzai was initially detained on illegal weapons possession charges before being linked to the murder of Ms. Ross. He is accused of stealing money from the victim's bank accounts using her bank cards. The suspect's wife, Alaina Hall, reportedly raised suspicions about her husband's involvement in the murder.
Greek authorities identified Ms. Ross using fingerprints, as she was found in a state of decomposition due to the heatwave in Athens. She had entered Greece on June 26 and was staying with friends in Piraeus before her death. The suspect allegedly impersonated a jihadist in text messages to Ms. Ross's friends, claiming responsibility for the murder. The investigation was aided by surveillance camera footage near the abandoned building where the victim's body was found.
The case has garnered significant media attention in Greece, with details emerging about the suspect's background and alleged actions. The tragic death of Elisabeth-Jane Ross has shocked the community and raised concerns about safety and security in the city. The court proceedings will shed light on the circumstances surrounding the murder and the evidence against the accused.