Greek police fast-track toxicology tests in probe into Scottish woman found dead in suitcase

Greek investigators say they are prioritizing toxicology testing in hopes of determining within days how a Scottish woman died after her body was discovered inside a suitcase in Athens.

Elisabeth-Jane Ross, 38, was found in an abandoned building in the Kypseli district of the Greek capital on July 18, reportedly by a homeless man who came across the body. Known to family as Lisa, she is believed to have traveled to Greece from Edinburgh in late June and was reported missing on July 15.

Greek authorities are also working to locate American friends of Lisa’s who they say were staying in the same Kypseli area at the time she disappeared.

Police have not yet determined whether her death is being treated as a homicide. A post mortem examination is currently underway, and investigators say toxicology results could help establish whether foul play was involved in her death.

Such tests typically take anywhere from several weeks to a few months to complete, depending on case complexity and the workload of forensic laboratories. However, police spokesperson Konstantina Dimoglidou told a Scottish broadcaster on Saturday that authorities have made the case a priority and expect results within days, saying investigators need answers on how she died without further delay.

According to police accounts, Lisa initially stayed in the Keratsini area, located roughly six miles west of central Athens, with Greek friends. She told them that on July 15 she planned to travel to Kypseli to meet American friends or acquaintances. Investigators are now trying to identify those individuals. Officials also noted that her mobile phone continued transmitting a signal and sending messages for several days after her death is believed to have occurred.

The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office confirmed Wednesday that it is providing consular support to Lisa’s family and remains in contact with Greek authorities. Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney described the case as absolutely appalling and said the Scottish government and the FCDO would continue supporting her family. Police Scotland said it is also providing assistance to the family as the investigation continues.