Boxing Champion Charged in Edinburgh Woman's Suitcase Death
Sharif Ahmadzai, Greek super lightweight title holder, faces intentional homicide and robbery charges after Elisabeth Jane Ross found dead in Kypseli.
Carla Rooney
Sharif Ahmadzai, a former boxing champion, has been charged in connection with the death of Elisabeth Jane Ross, whose body was found in a suitcase.
Ahmadzai also allegedly confessed to withdrawing €10,000 from ATMs using Ms. Ross's credit cards; he denies murder, a denial police reportedly do not believe.
Initial medical reports suggest Elisabeth Ross died from asphyxiation. Police believe the murder may have stemmed from an attempted mugging or sexual assault.
Alaina Hall, Ahmadzai's wife, provided critical evidence to the investigation, including location data and a mobile phone. Hall turned over €2,550 and an iPhone 17 Pro, which she believed were purchased with Ms. Ross's money.
A search of the suspect's home uncovered a replica Glock-style pistol and a military-style knife. Police filed a case against the suspect for manslaughter, robbery, and violation of weapons laws.
Ms. Ross, a dedicated volunteer, aided Syrian refugees in Kurdistan. She arrived in Greece in late June and stayed at various locations before renting an apartment in Exarchia.
Her last confirmed sign of life was a phone call to a friend at 9:41 PM on July 15. Hellenic Police identified Ms. Ross using fingerprints.
Ahmadzai, an Afghan national, works as a Christian aid worker and former boxer. He secured the Greek super lightweight boxing title in March 2023.
He reportedly fled Afghanistan at 15 after the Taliban killed his family, arriving on Lesbos by small boat in 2016. Ahmadzai and Ms. Hall reportedly founded a ministry for refugees in Athens and are believed to have known Elisabeth through their work.
I've never met him, I've only heard about him. But I can tell you my brother and sister-in-law never wanted them to get married.
Leanne Hall, Alaina's relative, stated, "I've never met him, I've only heard about him. But I can tell you my brother and sister-in-law never wanted them to get married."
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office provides consular support. They stated, "Our thoughts are with Elisabeth's family during this difficult time. We are providing consular support and are in contact with the local authorities."
Police Scotland is aware of the death and liaises with Greek authorities, providing support to the family in Scotland. A Police Scotland spokesperson confirmed, "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."
She was such a beautiful, loving and kind young lady. She had not long arrived there to work.
Flowers have been laid at the scene where Ross's body was found. Anne Bangham described the situation as "horrific," adding, "She was such a beautiful, loving and kind young lady. She had not long arrived there to work."