Elisabeth-Jane Ross death: Tests results showing how Edinburgh woman found in suitcase died delayed by a month
Greek police said previously they were fast-tracking tests into the cause of death
Test results to determine the cause of death of Edinburgh woman Elisabeth-Jane Ross, whose body was found inside a suitcase in an abandoned building in Athens, have reportedly been delayed by at least a month.
According to reports, a spokesperson for the Greek police said on Saturday the results could take "at least another month", despite the authority saying previously they were fast-tracking them as a priority.
The 38-year-old’s body was discovered by a homeless man in a derelict building in the Kypseli area of the Greek capital on July 18.
On Thursday, the man accused of killing her and disposing of her body, Afghan boxer Sharif Ahmadzai, appeared in court charged with homicide with intent - the equivalent to a murder charge in Scotland.
Ahmadzai was initially detained on illegal weapons possession charges but is now facing a charge of homicide with intent, as well as allegations that he stole more than £8,500 from Ms Ross’s bank accounts using her bank cards.
His lawyer Christos Erdas later confirmed he did not submit a plea in relation to any of the three charges, saying official confirmation of how Ms Ross died was needed before his client could tender a plea.
Ahmadzai’s lawyers have also put in a request for Ms Ross’s medical records to be obtained from the UK.
After the hearing Ahmadzai was remanded in custody to await his trial, which could take up to over a year.
Preliminary assessments of Ms Ross’s body, which is believed to have been left for a number of days before it was found, showed no signs of external trauma and suggested asphyxiation was likely the cause of death. However, further tests are needed to confirm this.
The Edinburgh aid worker is understood to have arrived in Greece on June 26 and was initially staying with friends in the Piraeus area of the city.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office said: “Our thoughts are with Elisabeth’s family during this difficult time. We are providing consular support and are in contact with the local authorities.”
In a statement released to some media outlets, Ms Ross’s family said: “Lisa will always be remembered by us as kind, principled and selfless.
“Her integrity was absolute and she dedicated her life to helping others in need.
“We are in deep pain and we ask for time and privacy as we come to terms with our loss.”
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