A professional boxer from Afghanistan accused of killing a British aid worker whose body was discovered inside a suitcase in central Athens appeared before a court on Wednesday.
Greek police identified the victim as 38-year-old Scottish national Elisabeth Jane Ross, a certified psychotherapist and volunteer aid worker who had been missing since July 15.
Her body was found three days later, wrapped in black fabric and placed inside a green suitcase abandoned at a construction site in Athens’ busy Kypseli district, close to where the suspect lived.
A post-mortem examination was unable to establish the precise cause of death because of the condition of the body, although investigators have not ruled out asphyxiation, according to a police official.
The 26-year-old suspect, whose identity has not been disclosed for legal reasons, remains in custody and denies killing Ross.
He was born in Afghanistan, had been granted asylum in Greece and worked as a professional boxer while also participating in volunteer activities, according to police officials and testimony given by his wife.
Investigators said the case was built partly on statements from the suspect’s wife, as well as mobile phone location records and CCTV footage. Police allege that the boxer was filmed carrying a suitcase near the site where Ross’ body was later discovered.
The suspect was arrested on Sunday and appeared in court on charges including manslaughter, robbery and illegal possession of weapons. Police said a knife and a replica pistol were found in his apartment. The charges may be amended as the investigation continues.
Judges granted him a 24-hour extension to prepare his response. He left the courthouse under heavy police escort and is expected to return on Thursday morning.
The suspect reportedly told investigators that he discovered Ross’ body in a bathroom, panicked and placed it inside a suitcase before attempting to dispose of it.
Ross arrived in Greece on June 29 and initially stayed with a friend in the port city of Piraeus. She later moved into an apartment in central Athens managed by a non-governmental organisation.
The suspect and his 28-year-old American wife reportedly had keys to the apartment.
Ross had planned to return to her friend’s home on July 15, but relatives and acquaintances said they had not heard from her since that date.
Police also allege that the suspect used Ross’ bank card to withdraw money after her death and may have sent messages from her phone to create the impression that she was still alive.
A court is expected to decide on Thursday whether the suspect will remain in pre-trial detention or be released pending further proceedings.