Scottish Missionary Found Dead In Suitcase; Afghan Suspect Detained (Worthy News In-Depth)

by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Europe Bureau Chief

ATHENS, GREECE (Worthy News) – A family remains in “deep pain” after a suspect was detained in connection with the killing of a Scottish missionary in Athens, Greece, Worthy News learned Friday.

The body of 38-year-old Elisabeth-Jane Ross, also known as “Lisa,” from Scotland, was found inside a suitcase days after she was reported missing.

“Lisa will always be remembered by us as kind, principled and selfless,” her family said in a statement.

“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,” the family added.

A 26-year-old boxer from Afghanistan, Sharif Ahmadzai, has been charged with murder and robbery, Greek judicial officials confirmed.

REFUGEE SUPPORT GROUP

Ross arrived in Greece in June to volunteer with a refugee support group based in Athens. The seasoned missionary initially stayed with friends before traveling to the Kypseli district, where she disappeared before her body was found on July 18.

A homeless man discovered Ross’s body inside a suitcase near an abandoned building in the Kypseli district, according to investigators.

Authorities soon identified Ahmadzai as a suspect. Police say he admitted moving Ross’s body but denied killing her.

The suspect appeared before an investigative judge at the Court of First Instance in the Greek capital on Thursday and was remanded in custody, officials said.

Scottish media reported that his American-born wife, Alaina Hall, provided testimony that Ahmadzai confessed to the killing. It was unclear whether she referred to an alleged confession made to police. Ahmadzai has acknowledged moving Ross’s body, according to sources familiar with the case.

SUSPECT REMAINS SILENT

However, officials said he declined to enter a plea during the hearing.

Ahmadzai’s lawyer, Christos Erdas, has requested access to Ross’s medical records. The suspect lives in Athens with his American-born wife, Alaina Hall, and their young child, Worthy News learned.

He left the court surrounded by police officers wearing balaclavas before being bundled into a vehicle and driven away, according to witnesses.

The court complex is located on the city’s Evelpidon Street, just a few minutes’ walk from where Ross’s body was found, investigators said.

Security camera footage appears to show him carrying what investigators believe was the suitcase containing Ross’s body.

FALSE JIHADIST CLAIM

Investigators allege that the boxer, who also runs a charity with his partner, sent a series of messages from Ross’s phone to her friends and family before switching off the device.

Police say he then bought another phone and sent text messages to her friends in Athens, including his wife, while posing as an unnamed jihadist, claiming he had killed the Scottish missionary because of her Christian faith.

Police believe the crime was financially motivated and have found no evidence of a religious motive. Prosecutors allege Ahmadzai obtained more than 10,000 euros (roughly $11,500) from Ross’s bank accounts after her death. Investigators say the alleged theft supports their conclusion that the motive was financial rather than religious.

Britain’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office said earlier: “Our thoughts are with Elisabeth’s family during this difficult time. We are providing consular support and are in contact with the local authorities.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson previously said: “We are aware of the death of a Scottish woman in Athens and are liaising with authorities in Greece. Officers are providing support to her family in Scotland.”

CHRISTIANS IN MOURNING

As more details emerged, City on a Hill Church lead pastor Peter Anderson remembered Ross as a “precious” member of the congregation for some 20 years with a passion for missions.

“It has been a really tough week for our church. We’ve lost a precious church member, Lisa. She was a member of our church for 20 years, and a very, very precious girl. It was a real tragic loss,” Anderson wrote on Facebook.

He highlighted not only Ross’s commitment to the church but also her dedication to serving others through missionary work around the world.

“Lisa’s life was actually all about mission. She had a big passion for missions. She had been to many places on mission. She served people. She cared for people all over the world,” Anderson stressed.

Ross’s friend Magali Tassone, who served with her as a Youth With A Mission (YWAM) missionary in 2013, added: “She truly incarnated the love and passion of Jesus for people here … Her love was obvious and was not just words, but deeds and actions that she would display every day.”

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