Greek police have released the first image of Sharif Ahmadzai, 26, an Afghan boxer accused of killing British charity worker Elisabeth Jane Ross and dumping her body in a suitcase in an abandoned Athens house. Ahmadzai, who was arrested and charged with manslaughter, robbery, and weapon violations, allegedly confessed during interrogation, according to Hellenic Police.
Discovery of the body
Ross, 38, from Scotland, was last seen on July 18, when she told friends she was going to stay with an American couple. Her remains were found by a homeless man in an abandoned house, wrapped in a bin bag and stuffed inside a suitcase. The discovery came after she had been reported missing, triggering a search that drew international attention.
During questioning, Ahmadzai allegedly told detectives that Elisabeth was already dead when he found her. He claimed he placed her in the suitcase only to steal her money without raising suspicion. However, police suspect foul play, noting that the suspect’s home was raided and a fake pistol and a knife were seized.
The suspect's background
Ahmadzai arrived in Lesvos, Greece, in 2016, and later married American Alaina Hall in 2023. The couple ran a charity organization called Love Every Nation Athens, which helped homeless people and through which they reportedly met Elisabeth. His wife allegedly told police that her husband went missing on the evening of July 15, but his shared location showed him at Elisabeth’s flat. The couple reportedly had a key to the flat, which they owned, where Ross was staying.
Phone messages and investigation
Detectives believe someone was sending messages from Elisabeth’s phone to create the false impression that she was still alive. The texts claimed she “needed some time to herself” and “wanted to be alone for a while,” according to Greek media outlets. The phone was switched off when the case began to receive international coverage.
Police told Greek media: “The phone was being used. Text messages were even sent obviously with a view to making people believe she was still alive.” The investigation is ongoing, and more details are expected to emerge as the case proceeds.
