Elisabeth Jane Ross Murder: Greek Police Search for ‘American Friends’ Who May Have Been Last To See Scottish Woman Alive

Greek homicide detectives are searching for a group of “American friends” who may have been among the last people to see 38-year-old Scottish woman Elisabeth Jane Ross alive, marking the latest development in one of Greece’s most closely watched murder investigations.

Authorities now believe Ross’ body was moved to an abandoned building in Athens’ Kypseli neighborhood shortly before it was discovered inside a suitcase on July 18, shifting the investigation toward reconstructing her final movements between July 15 when she was last seen, and the discovery of her remains.

Investigators are treating the case as a homicide while awaiting toxicology results that could determine how she died.

Police focus on Ross’ final known contacts

According to Greek investigators, Ross had been staying with a Greek couple in the Athens suburb of Keratsini after arriving in Greece in late June.

On July 15, she reportedly told them she was leaving to stay with American acquaintances in the Kypseli area.

Police have since interviewed the Greek couple and reportedly do not consider them suspects.

Instead, detectives are attempting to identify and locate the Americans Ross said she planned to meet, believing they could provide crucial information about her final days or help establish her last confirmed movements.

The renewed focus comes after investigators concluded the suitcase was likely brought to the abandoned building shortly before it was found by a homeless man.

The witness reportedly told police the suitcase had not been there during previous visits, prompting officers to narrow the timeline and intensify their search for surveillance footage from nearby streets and businesses.

Evidence points to deliberate effort to conceal crime

Investigators believe whoever disposed of Ross’ body took steps to avoid leaving forensic evidence.

Reports indicate no usable fingerprints or DNA were recovered from the suitcase, while officers continue examining CCTV footage, cellphone records and Ross’ digital activity.

Another key element of the investigation is Ross’ cellphone.

Authorities believe messages were sent from her phone after her death in an apparent attempt to convince relatives and friends that she was still alive, potentially delaying missing-person concerns.

Police are working to determine who had possession of the device and where it traveled after Ross disappeared.

Cause of death remains unknown

A post-mortem examination found no obvious external injuries, leaving investigators dependent on toxicology testing to establish how Ross died.

Those results are expected to play a critical role in determining whether she was poisoned, overdosed or killed by another method not immediately visible during the autopsy.

Greek authorities have classified the investigation as a criminal case because Ross’ body was concealed inside luggage and abandoned in a derelict building rather than left where she died.

The Hellenic Police Homicide Division continues to coordinate with international authorities as it reconstructs her travel history and contacts.