The murder of a 38-year-old British woman in Kypseli has entered a new phase, as the 26-year-old suspect is expected to appear before an examining magistrate on Wednesday, August 5. Meanwhile, police authorities continue to evaluate the full body of evidence gathered, with particular weight being placed on surveillance footage, banking transactions carried out after the woman’s death, and the testimony of the suspect’s partner.
Kypseli murder: The security camera footage
According to newsit.gr and a report by STAR television, a key piece of evidence in the case file is security camera footage allegedly showing the 26-year-old leaving an apartment in Exarchia on the evening of July 16, on foot and pulling a large travel suitcase.
According to police, his route ended at an abandoned building on Evelpidон Street, where the body of Elizabeth Jane Ross was discovered two days later. The suspect denies killing the 38-year-old and claims he found her already dead in the bathroom of her apartment. He does admit, however, according to the case file, that he placed her body inside the suitcase and abandoned it in the building, claiming he acted out of fear of being held responsible.
The forensic examination concluded that the woman’s death was caused by asphyxiation — a finding that, according to authorities, strongly supports the theory of a criminal act.
The remaining evidence in the case file
Investigators also consider highly significant the evidence related to the use of the 38-year-old’s bank cards after her death. According to investigative findings, the suspect allegedly made withdrawals and transactions totalling approximately €10,000. Authorities are also examining whether the victim’s mobile phone was used to send messages to her relatives and friends, creating the impression that she was still alive.
The testimony of the suspect’s partner has also been described as crucial. She told authorities that, through a location-sharing app, she had determined that the suspect was at the British woman’s home on the night of July 15 to 16. After the body was identified, the woman left their shared residence along with their child and handed police a mobile phone that had not previously been known to authorities, as well as €2,550 in cash, believing the money may have come from the victim.
According to the case file, she also reportedly told police that the 26-year-old had confided in her that he had killed the British woman. Authorities are investigating as a possible motive a dispute that, according to her testimony, was connected to an alleged attempt by the 38-year-old to convert him religiously. The two had met through a non-governmental organisation in Exarchia, while police continue to collect witness statements and digital data in order to fully clarify the circumstances and motive behind the case.
During a search of the suspect’s home, investigators also seized a metal replica Glock-type pistol and a military-style knife, for which he was additionally arrested on weapons law violations.
