Pastor Mourns ‘Precious’ Missionary Found Dead in Suitcase in Athens

A Scottish woman whose body was discovered stuffed inside a suitcase in an abandoned Athens building is being remembered as a “precious” and deeply compassionate missionary who spent her life helping others.

Elisabeth-Jane Ross, known to friends and family as Lisa, had been a devoted member of City on a Hill, an independent Christian church serving Edinburgh and the surrounding Lothians, for two decades.

Her pastor, Peter Anderson, fought back grief as he announced the 38-year-old’s death in an emotional video shared by the church.

“It’s been a really tough week for our church,” Anderson said. “We have lost a precious church member, Lisa. She was a member of our church for 20 years, and a very, very precious girl, and it’s a real tragic loss.”

Anderson said Ross had dedicated much of her life to missionary work and caring for vulnerable people around the world.

“Lisa’s life was actually all about mission,” he said. “She served people and she cared for people all over the world.”

Ross’s body was discovered July 18 after a homeless man entered a derelict building in the Kypseli neighborhood of Athens and found a suitcase containing her remains.

Investigators believe she had been dead for between five and seven days before the horrifying discovery.

Adding another disturbing twist to the case, authorities reportedly believe someone continued using Ross’s mobile phone after her death, sending messages that appeared to come from her.

Greek authorities identified Ross through her fingerprints.

Police arrested a 26-year-old foreign national in connection with her death, according to reports. Authorities said surveillance footage helped investigators identify the suspect, who allegedly confessed Thursday.

Ross entered Greece on June 26 and initially stayed with friends in the port city of Piraeus. She later reportedly planned to meet American friends elsewhere in Athens, although investigators have not confirmed whether that meeting ever took place.

Police believe the suspect placed Ross’s body inside the suitcase and transported it to the abandoned building where it was eventually found.

In the days after her death, the suspect allegedly used Ross’s bank card to withdraw money.

Authorities searching the man’s home reportedly discovered a replica pistol and a knife.

Greek police have filed a case against him involving manslaughter, robbery and weapons-law violations. The precise circumstances surrounding Ross’s death remain under investigation.

Britain’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said officials were supporting her devastated family.

“Our thoughts are with Elisabeth’s family during this difficult time,” the agency said. “We are providing consular support and are in contact with the local authorities.”

Police Scotland also confirmed that officers were working with authorities in Greece and assisting Ross’s loved ones back home.

“We are aware of the death of a Scottish woman in Athens and are liaising with authorities in Greece,” a spokesperson said. “Officers are providing support to her family in Scotland.”

Ross’s death has left her church community reeling as investigators continue working to determine exactly what happened during her final days in Greece.