Police investigating the death of a Scottish woman whose body was found in a suitcase in Greece say they could determine how she died "in the coming days" as they fast-track toxicology tests. Elisabeth-Jane Ross, 38, known to her family as Lisa, was found in an abandoned building in the Kypseli district of Athens on 18 July, reportedly by a homeless man. Authorities are still examining whether her death should be treated as murder.
Lisa is thought to have travelled to Greece from Edinburgh in late June and went missing on 15 July. Greek authorities are also trying to trace her American friends, who they said were staying in Kypseli, after it emerged she had planned to contact them there.
What do police know so far?
Police cannot yet confirm whether Lisa's death is considered murder. A post-mortem examination is under way, and toxicology tests to determine the cause of death could help confirm whether foul play was involved. Test results can take anywhere from several weeks to a few months depending on the complexity of the case and the workload of forensic laboratories.
However, on Saturday, police spokesperson Konstantina Dimoglidou told BBC Scotland News:
"We have made it a priority so we can have results in the coming days.
"Then we will know how she died. This can't wait."
Where was Lisa staying before she went missing?
Lisa had initially stayed in the area of Keratsini, 5.9 miles (9.5km) west of central Athens, with Greek friends. She had told them that on 15 July she would go to Kypseli, where her "American friends" or acquaintances were. Police sources said officers were looking to identify these individuals.
Her mobile phone was transmitting a signal and sending some messages a few days after her death, according to the report. Greek police are continuing their inquiries while they try to trace the people Lisa intended to meet in Kypseli.
How are the authorities responding?
On Wednesday, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) confirmed they were providing consular support and were in contact with the Greek authorities. First Minister John Swinney called it an
"absolutely appalling case"and said her family would be supported by the Scottish government and the FCDO.
Police Scotland said they were also providing support to Lisa's family.
Key Facts
- Elisabeth-Jane Ross, 38, known as Lisa, was found dead in an abandoned building in Kypseli on 18 July.
- She is thought to have travelled from Edinburgh in late June and was reported missing on 15 July.
- Greek police are fast-tracking toxicology tests to determine how she died.
- Authorities are seeking to identify Lisa's American friends or acquaintances in Kypseli.
- The FCDO, Scottish government and Police Scotland are supporting her family.
