An Airbnb app. Airbnb has reacted to an alleged murder of a customer in Melbourne, Australia. Photo / AAP file
An Airbnb app. Airbnb has reacted to an alleged murder of a customer in Melbourne, Australia. Photo / AAP file
Global room sharing service Airbnb is "deeply saddened and outraged" that a customer who booked into a Melbourne house on its website was allegedly murdered by three men who live there.
Ramis Jonuzi, 36, was reportedly paying A$30 a night to stay at the Brighton East home where he wasallegedly raped and murdered last Wednesday night.
Three men were charged with his murder. Craig Levy, 36, Ryan Smart, 37, and Jason Colton, 41, did not apply for bail when they faced the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Friday. Levy and Smart were charged with murdering Jonuzi, while Colton was charged with murder and also raping Jonuzi with an object.
Airbnb said the victim's family has its full support and "our hearts go out to them and all of his friends".
The company said: "There is no place on Airbnb for such an abhorrent act, which violates everything our global community stands for. We have removed this listing from our platform and will fully co-operate with law enforcement on their investigation."
Friends paid tribute to Jonuzi, calling him a loving person with a kind heart.
"Your heart was so beautiful and big, it came out in the kindness of your smile and kindness of your open heart," Adriana Zenuli wrote on Facebook. "I can't believe that you are gone but I only hope you are at peace and in a better place."
Meritke Mifsud wrote: "The world is a darker place now knowing we won't hear your beautiful laugh again".
The cause of Jonuzi's death is yet to be released, but police earlier said he was in cardiac arrest and paramedics had tried to revive him. The three accused will return to court on March 22.
