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Tests to determine how aid worker died in Greece face month-long delay
BBC • • world
Key Points:
- Elisabeth Ross, a 38-year-old Scottish aid worker, was found dead in a suitcase in Athens on 18 July, with test results on her cause of death expected to take at least another month.
- Sharif Ahmadzai, a 26-year-old Afghan boxer, has been charged with her murder, robbery, and weapons offenses, though he denies homicide with intent and admits only to moving the body out of fear of being blamed.
- Initial reports indicated no external trauma on Ross's body, but a detailed autopsy suggested asphyxiation as the probable cause of death; Ahmadzai's lawyer has requested further forensic examinations to be included in the case.
- Ahmadzai allegedly used Ross's bank cards to steal over €10,000 and sent messages from her phone after her death before turning off the device; his wife's statement to police was crucial in linking him to the crime.
- Ross had been volunteering with a refugee support group in Athens since late June and was found dead after staying in the Keratsini area of Piraeus until 10 July; Ahmadzai remains in custody pending trial, which could take up to 18 months.
