A boxer accused of killing a Scottish Christian missionary in Athens dreamed of travelling to the UK after fleeing war-torn Afghanistan.
Elisabeth Jane Ross, also known as Lisa, was found dead by a homeless man in an abandoned building in the Kypseli district of the Greek capital on Saturday, July 18.
STV News understands a coroner has determined that the Edinburgh-born victim’s most likely cause of death was suffocation.
Sharif Ahmadzai, also known as David, 26, has been charged in connection with the murder of Ms Ross.
Dreams of reuniting with aunt in UK
Ahmadazi is originally from East Afghanistan; his father was a commander in the national army and was killed in an ambush.
The family moved to Kabul to escape the fighting, according to his story shared with the Red Cross.
While returning from an appointment at the hospital in the Afghan capital, his mother and siblings were killed in a suicide bombing.
At the age of 15, he embarked on a journey to seek asylum. He was first smuggled into Iran before further travel to the Turkish border.
The then teenager attempted to travel to Greece but was arrested and jailed for three days.
Upon his release, smugglers placed him on a dinghy to the Greek shores. He was housed at a migrant camp on the island of Lesbos.
In the Red Cross video, he reveals that he has an aunt in the UK who offered to help him if was able to get into the country.
What else do we know about the suspect?
Ahmadazi began volunteering as a translator at a migrant camp on a Greek island where he met his future American-born wife.
STV News understands that he converted to Christianity and the couple began a group providing food, medicine and temporary housing, and teaching English in Athens.
In April of this year, he became a father.
The 26-year-old only began his professional boxing career last June and has had two bouts. In March, he won the vacant Greek Super Light championship.
InstagramHe also fought for the amateur Mixed Martial Arts promotion Cage Survivors in Greece.
Ahmadazi had written a memoir regarding his life called “From Hell to Home” in a post on social media, he said it was about “loss, exile, survival, and rebuilding a life”.
Following his arrest, the 26-year-old admitted transporting Ms Ross’ body in the suitcase but denied murder.
Elisabeth-Jane Ross described as ‘precious’ missionary
Lead pastor of City on a Hill church in Edinburgh, Peter Anderson, paid tribute to Ms Ross, who had been a member of the church for 20 years and “helped and cared” for people all over the world.
He said: “We have lost a precious church member Lisa.
“She was a member of our church for 20 years, and a very precious, precious girl.
Facebook“It was a real tragic loss.”
Mr Anderson added that Ms Ross had a “big passion for missions” and had travelled to a number of countries.
The investigation so far
Ms Ross arrived in Greece after travelling from Edinburgh on June 26.
She was staying with friends in the Kertasini area of Piraeus until July 10 and then moved to an apartment on Rethymnou Street.
The Edinburgh woman spoke to a friend on the phone on July 15. Detectives believe that texts received by loved ones after this point were not written by Ms Ross.
CCTV footage obtained by police shows Ahmadazi transporting the body inside a suitcase.
Investigations by authorities found that the suspect used Ms Ross’s bank cards to withdraw money following her death.
SuppliedSearches carried out at his home uncovered a replica pistol and a knife.
Investigators believe the crime was carried out for financial reasons, and there was no religious motive.
Ahmadzai is expected to appear in court in Athens on Wednesday morning.
Greek private investigator Giorgos Tsoukalis told STV News: “So far the evidence shows that this person from Afghanistan may be involved in other cases.
“He is a former fighter, and not the best person you can find.
“So far, the reason (behind the crime) is for robbery.”
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