Man arrested after body found in suitcase; female tourist planned to meet US friends

NewsThis photograph shows an aerial view of Kypseli, one of the most densely populated neighborhoods in Athens, Greece, on April 18, 2025. (Photo by Aris Messinis / AFP via Getty Images)AFP via Getty ImagesBy Geoff Herbert | gherbert@syracuse.comA man has been arrested a female tourist’s body was found in a suitcase.The BBC reports Elisabeth-Jane Ross, a 38-year-old Scottish woman, was found dead in the Kypseli district of Athens, Greece, on July 18. Officials said Ross, known to her family as Lisa, arrived in Greece on June 26 and planned to meet “American friends” before she was reported missing.The Independent reports Sharif Ahmadzai, 26, was arrested on suspicion of murder. Police said he allegedly admitted transporting Ross’ body in a suitcase to an abandoned building, where she was found by a homeless man.Police said Ahmadzai used Ross’ bank cards to withdraw money. Police said they found a replica pistol and a knife were found during searches at his home.Ahmadzai was arrested Thursday on suspicion of manslaughter, robbery and weapons charges. Greek police said he “confessed to his actions,” but it’s unclear if he admitted killing Ross.The Independent described Ahmadzai as a Christian aid worker and champion boxer who fled Afghanistan 10 years ago after being orphaned as a child. He was reportedly turned in to police by his wife, a U.S. citizen named Alaina Hall, after he allegedly gave her money and a new iPhone.A cause of death has not been released for Ross. A toxicology report is pending, according to the BBC.Investigators, with help from U.S. and UK officials, said they were looking to identify the victim’s American friends, who were also staying in Kypseli. Additional details about Ross have not been released. The investigation remains ongoing.“It is horrific. We just can’t believe it. She was such a beautiful, loving and kind young lady,” Ross’ aunt Anne Bangham wrote on social media. “I wish I could get my hands on whoever did it. She had not long arrived there to work. It will take a while to sink in.”Geoff "DeafGeoff" Herbert is a Reporter and Content Supervisor for Advance Local. He covers a wide range of topics including entertainment, national news and trending topics, plus specializes in search engine...