Suspicious Messages Sent After Death: Investigation Unveils New Clues

Greek police are investigating mysterious text messages sent from the mobile phone of Elisabeth-Jane Ross after the 38-year-old Scottish woman was found dead inside a suitcase in an abandoned building in the Kypseli district of Athens on July 18, according to reports by BBC, The Independent, and The Guardian. While the digital device remains missing, investigators are awaiting toxicology results to determine the official cause of death.

The Discovery in Athens and the Timeline of the Missing Phone

A homeless man discovered Ross’s body inside a suitcase on July 18, according to BBC reporting. Greek police estimate that Ross died between five and seven days before the gruesome discovery was made in the Greek capital. Despite this timeline, her mobile phone remained active in the Athens area, according to The Independent and The Times. A spokesperson for Greek police told the BBC that authorities are awaiting toxicology tests to establish the exact cause of death and whether a crime took place, as initial examinations of the body did not clarify the circumstances.

Mysterious Text Messages Aimed at Misleading Investigators

During the period when police believe Ross was already dead, several text messages were sent from her device to throw off family and friends, according to international media reports. Helena Smith, Athens correspondent for The Guardian, told BBC Radio Scotland that the digital communications appeared calculated. “It seems as though someone had control and sent messages, visibly to distract the authorities and her close friends from tracking her down,” Smith said.

Greek media outlets reported that on July 15, a message was sent to Ross’s family stating that she “needed some time for herself” and wanted “to be alone for a while,” as noted by The Independent. According to the Daily Mail, another message was transmitted to a Greek acquaintance she had previously stayed with, reading: “I need some time. I’m going to a Greek island.” Police records show the missing phone stayed active in and around Athens until approximately 24 hours before reporting began.

Travel History and Identification Through Interpol

Ross originated from the Edinburgh area and traveled from Edinburgh to Greece on June 29, according to local media details cited by The Independent. Upon arrival, she initially stayed with friends in Keratsini on the outskirts of Athens before meeting American acquaintances in Kypseli on July 15. Greek law enforcement ultimately identified her remains after Interpol cross-referenced fingerprints previously registered in the United States, as reported by the Associated Press.

As the investigation continues, authorities have not yet named a suspect. According to police statements, neither the body nor the suitcase has yielded physical evidence linking a third party directly to the crime scene. John Swinney, Scotland’s First Minister, told the BBC that the Scottish government and the UK Foreign Office are providing support to the grieving family, calling the incident “a terrible case.”

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where was Elisabeth-Jane Ross found?

Elisabeth-Jane Ross was found dead inside a suitcase on July 18 inside an abandoned building in the Kypseli district of Athens, Greece, after being discovered by a homeless man.

What do police suspect regarding her mobile phone?

Greek investigators report that Ross’s missing mobile phone continued sending text messages to family and acquaintances days after police estimate she had already died, suggesting an attempt by an unknown party to mislead authorities.

Has a suspect been identified in the case?

No suspects have been officially named by Greek police, and authorities state that neither the body nor the recovery suitcase has provided definitive forensic evidence linking a third party to the death.

How was her identity confirmed?

Greek police established her identity after Interpol examined and matched fingerprints that had been previously registered for her in the United States.