Edinburgh church pays tribute to 'precious' member Elisabeth Jane Ross after body found in suitcase in Greece
Elizabeth-Jane Ross, who was known as Lisa, had been a member of City on a Hill church in Edinburgh for 20 years
A local church pastor has paid tribute to an Edinburgh woman whose body was found inside a suitcase in Greece, describing her death as “a real tragic loss”.
The body of Elisabeth Jane Ross, known as Lisa, was found on July 18 inside a suitcase which had been dumped at an abandoned building in the Kypseli district of Athens.
Medical examiners previously believed that the 38-year-old had been dead for approximately five to seven days before being found due to the level of decomposition, but this was later found to be accelerated by warm temperatures.
She was identified after Interpol examined fingerprint data and matched it to records in the USA, where she had previously worked.
Now, the lead pastor of City on a Hill church in Edinburgh has paid tribute to Ms Ross, who had been a member of the church for 20 years, had a “big passion for missions”, and “helped and cared” for people across the world.
In a video posted on its Facebook page, Peter Anderson said it had been a "really tough week" for the church.
He added: “We have lost a precious church member Lisa. She was a member of our church for 20 years, and a very precious, precious girl.
“It was a real tragic loss.”
Hellenic Police, the national police service of Greece, announced that a man has been arrested in connection with ‘manslaughter, robbery and a violation of weapons laws’.
The force said in a statement: “A 26-year-old foreigner was identified in the case and arrested for violating the weapons law.
“Cooperation was carried out with police authorities of the United States of America, the United Kingdom and Scotland.”
According to police, the man, who is believed to be from Afghanistan, was identified after detectives analysed video footage.
The Greek police force said the man was questioned in connection with Ms Ross’s death and confessed to being involved on Thursday, July 30.
After officers searched the 26-year-old man’s home, a replica pistol and a knife were also discovered leading him also being arrested on suspicion of violation of weapons laws.
Officers said they determined that the man placed Ms Ross’s body in the suitcase she was eventually found in and moved it to the derelict building.
The suspect is said to have used her bank card to withdraw money in the days following her death.
Police also said her mobile phone had been used to contact friends and family following her death, up until the public announcement of the discovery of her body.
The investigation so far uncovered that Ms Ross flew into Greece from Edinburgh in late June.
She initially stayed with friends in the Keratsini in the Piraeus region. She then journeyed to the Kypseli district of Athens on July 15.
Paying tribute to Ms Ross, those close to her described her as “beautiful, loving and kind”.
Her aunt said: “Lisa was my beautiful loving niece we can't believe this has happened.
She added: “We just can't believe it she was such a beautiful loving and kind young lady. I wish I could get my hands on whoever did it. She had not long arrived there to work. It will take a while to sink in... We are absolutely devastated.”
Another woman, who knew Ms Ross from school, said: “Lisa was a lovely girl, I went to school with her. Bless her and her family.”
And another added: “RIP beautiful Lisa. I will always remember you for your beautiful smile, warmth, care and kindness you showed to everyone.”
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office said earlier: “Our thoughts are with Elisabeth’s family during this difficult time.
“We are providing consular support and are in contact with the local authorities.”
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We are aware of the death of a Scottish woman in Athens and are liaising with authorities in Greece. Officers are providing support to her family in Scotland.”