Champion boxer, 26, charged with murdering Scots woman in Athens

A champion boxer has been charged with murdering a Scottish woman in Athens, after her body was discovered in a suitcase.

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

STV News understands a coroner has determined that the Edinburgh-born victim’s most likely cause of death was suffocation.

Sharif Ahmadzai is expected to appear in court in Athens on Wednesday morning. Originally from Afghanistan, the 26-year-old lives in the city with his American-born wife and their young child.

Following an investigation, Ahmadzai was identified and arrested.

Police said he admitted transporting Ms Ross’ body in the suitcase but denied murder.

STV News understands that his wife provided testimony that Ahmadzai confessed to the killing.

Sharif Ahmadzai and his wife Alaina Hall. Instagram

Ahmadzai moved to Greece in 2016 as a refugee when he was 15 years old. He began volunteering as a translator at a migrant camp on a Greek island where he met his future wife.

STV News understands that he converted to Christianity and the couple began a group providing food, medicine and temporary housing, and teaching English in Athens.

Ms Ross travelled to Greece on June 26 and stayed with friends in the Kertasini area of Piraeus until July 10.

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

Searches carried out at Ahmadzai’s 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.”