The family of Elizabeth Jane Ross, known as Lisa, has issued its first public statement following her death, expressing profound grief over the loss of the 38-year-old British volunteer, whose body was found in the Kypseli neighborhood of Athens. Lisa Ross, who had dedicated much of her life to volunteering and supporting people in need, was discovered dead inside a suitcase in an abandoned building in the area.
“She dedicated her life to helping those in need”
In their statement, Lisa’s loved ones describe a person of rare character and values, portraying her as kind, principled, and selfless. “Lisa will forever be remembered as a kind, principled and selfless person. Her integrity was non-negotiable, and she dedicated her life to helping those in need,” the family said, as reported by Scottish broadcaster STV News.
The family of the 38-year-old has also asked for their privacy to be respected, stressing that they need time to process the profound pain caused by her tragic loss. The statement marks the family’s first public message, in which they shine a light on Lisa Ross’s generous spirit and personal legacy, beyond the devastating circumstances of her death.
Family in ‘deep pain’ after murder of ‘selfless’ Scottish missionaryhttps://t.co/IsAmiJs8Mc
— STV News (@STVNews) August 6, 2026
26-year-old Afghan suspect remanded in custody over her murder
A 26-year-old Afghan national has been remanded in custody in connection with the case and is charged with premeditated murder, robbery, and weapons offenses. The suspect reportedly exercised his right to remain silent before the investigating judge, with his defense attorney arguing that the case file — concerning the body found inside a suitcase in Kypseli — is incomplete and that the defendant will wait for additional evidence to be submitted. The defense also filed a request with the investigating judge to obtain the victim’s medical records, in order to determine whether the woman had any pre-existing health conditions.
During preliminary questioning, however, the suspect allegedly claimed that he found the 38-year-old already dead in the bathroom of an apartment in the Exarchia neighborhood, to which he had access. He reportedly stated that he placed her body in a suitcase and disposed of it to “avoid getting into trouble.”
“I have no words to describe the pain,” says close friend
A close friend of Lisa Ross, Magali Tachon, spoke to BBC Scotland News about a woman of deep faith, selflessness, and unwavering dedication to helping others, saying she still cannot believe her tragic death. “I was so shocked. I have no words to describe the pain. Thinking that my friend is no longer alive is unbearable. And when I found out everything that had happened, I kept feeling the shock over and over,” she said.
The two women met in 2013 in Switzerland, while studying and sharing a room at the missionary organization Youth With A Mission. They remained close friends in the years that followed, with their last meeting taking place four years ago, when Ross visited Tachon at her home in Dijon, France.
Her friend described Lisa as someone with “deep compassion” for refugees and women who had suffered abuse — causes to which she devoted a significant part of her volunteer work.
