The Afghan national accused of killing Elisabeth Jane Ross, a British woman whose body was discovered in an Athens suburb last week, has been ordered to remain in custody pending trial, Greek judicial authorities ruled on Thursday.
The decision follows the suspect’s appearance before an investigating magistrate, where he gave testimony regarding the case. The case has drawn widespread attention in Greece and the United Kingdom after the body of the 38-year-old Scottish woman was found wrapped in a blanket and dumped near a residential area west of Athens.
According to Greek authorities, the suspect, 26-year-old Sharif Ahmadzai, an Afghan national, has been charged with intentional homicide. Prosecutors allege he killed the woman following an altercation at his apartment after the two met in central Athens.
The suspect has denied intentionally killing the woman. His lawyer has argued that the death resulted from an accident during a struggle, a claim that investigators dispute.
CCTV footage became key evidence in killing of British woman in Athens, Greece
Investigators built their case using surveillance footage from several locations in Athens. CCTV cameras allegedly captured the suspect leaving his apartment carrying a large suitcase believed to contain the victim’s body before transporting it to the area where it was later discovered.
The footage formed a significant part of the evidence presented to judicial authorities and helped police reconstruct the victim’s final movements. Police arrested the suspect shortly after identifying him through surveillance footage and witness testimony.
Investigation continues
Forensic experts are continuing to examine evidence gathered from the apartment and the crime scene, while investigators are also reviewing digital data and witness statements as part of the ongoing inquiry.
No trial date has yet been announced.
See all the latest news from Greece and the world at Greekreporter.com. Contact our newsroom to report an update or send your story, photos and videos. Follow GR on Google News and subscribe here to our daily email!
