Edinburgh church pays tribute to 'precious' missionary found dead inside suitcase in Athens

An Edinburgh church has paid tribute to a “precious” missionary who was found dead inside a suitcase in Athens.

Elisabeth Jane Ross, also known as Lisa, was found dead inside a suitcase by a homeless man in an abandoned building in the district of Kypseli in Athens on Saturday, July 18.

It had previously been reported that the 38-year-old had travelled to the city from the United States, but Greek police later confirmed that she had travelled from the UK on June 29.

Following an investigation, a 26-year-old man from Afghanistan was identified as being involved and brought into custody in Greece.

The man admitted his part in the death of Ms Ross and was arrested on charges of manslaughter, robbery and violations of weapons law.

Officers said the man placed Ms Ross’ body in the suitcase and transported it to the abandoned site in Kypseli.

Lead pastor of City on a Hill church in Edinburgh, Peter Anderson, paid tribute to Ms Ross, who had been a member of the church for 20 years and “helped and cared” for people all over the world.

He said: “We have lost a precious church member Lisa.

“She was a member of our church for 20 years, and a very precious, precious girl.

“It was a real tragic loss.”

Mr Anderson added that Ms Ross had a “big passion for missions” and had travelled to a number of countries.

Investigations by Greek police found that the suspect used Ms Ross’s bank cards to withdraw money following her death.

Searches carried out at his home uncovered a replica pistol and a knife.

Greek police said the investigation involved the National Crime Agency, Police Scotland and authorities in the United States.

A Police Scotland spokesperson 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.”