Man admits killing Scottish woman found in suitcase, Greek police say
The man was arrested on suspicion of killing 38-year-old Elisabeth-Jane Ross, as well as robbery and weapons offences.
A man has confessed to the murder of a Scottish woman whose remains were discovered inside a suitcase within a derelict structure, according to Greek police.
Elisabeth-Jane Ross, 38, was located in Athens' Kypseli district on July 18, several days after her disappearance was reported.
Following an investigation involving cooperation from US, UK, and Scottish authorities, local officers have apprehended a 26-year-old man, understood by the BBC to be from Afghanistan.
The police force stated that the individual was brought to police headquarters on Thursday, where he "confessed to his actions." He was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter, robbery, and weapons offenses, though the precise charges are still pending finalization under the Greek legal framework.
Ross, known to her family as Lisa, arrived in Greece on June 26 and resided in the Piraeus area until July 10, at which point she departed for an undisclosed location in Attica, police reported.
Through their investigations and analysis of video surveillance, police identified the 26-year-old man as being linked to the case.
They allege that he transported Lisa's body to the abandoned site in a suitcase and subsequently used her bank cards to withdraw funds.
During searches conducted at his residence, police reported the discovery and seizure of a replica pistol and a knife.
Lisa had initially stayed in the Keratsini area, 5.9 miles (9.5km) west of central Athens, with Greek friends.
She had informed them that on July 15, she intended to go to Kypseli, where her "American friends" or acquaintances were located.
On Saturday, Greek police announced they were expediting toxicology reports to determine the cause of her death, potentially "in the coming days."
Test results can range from several weeks to a few months, depending on the complexity of the case and the workload of forensic laboratories.
Authorities were also seeking to locate Lisa's American friends, who they stated were also staying in Kypseli.
First Minister John Swinney described the incident as an "absolutely appalling case."