When Ramis Jonuzi booked a $30 a night room in a Brighton East Airbnb, he was after an affordable place to stay while he worked through some personal issues. But less than a week later, the 26-year-old bricklayer was found dead in the front yard. An ambulance was called, but Jonuzi couldn’t be revived.
Jonuzi was allegedly killed by his hosts Craig Levy, Ryan Smart, and Jason Colton. All three men have been charged with his murder, with Mr Colton also being accused of using an object to rape him. While the details of the crime, the cause of death, and the preceding events are not yet known, Jonuzi apparently had issues with the house as soon as he moved in. He told a friend he didn’t like the energy, and was planning on moving out.
He wasn’t the first guest to voice concerns. The Age reports that the house has had a series of complaints, with reviews from previous guests explaining they felt unsafe, uncomfortable, and had property stolen. One even suggested: “Better way to spend a night, buy a $50 hammer smash your hand with it and go to the emergency hospital.”
Videos by VICE
Posting on Facebook, friends of Jonuzi describe him as warm, caring and open-hearted. Speaking to the Age, other friends made a point to note he wasn’t aggressive by nature, but probably would have been open over any issues he had experienced with the property.
A spokesperson for Airbnb said the company is “deeply saddened and outraged,” and that “The family will have our full support and our hearts go out to them and all of his friends.” The spokesperson also stressed that the listing had been removed and that Airbnb would cooperate with law enforcement’s investigation. “There is no place on Airbnb for such an abhorrent act, which violates everything our global community stands for,” the company said.
Craig Levy, Ryan Smart, and Jason Colton have been taken into custody and will return to court 22 March.
For more from VICE:
When Strangers Run a Brothel in Your House, and Other Traumatising Airbnb Experiences
Neo-Nazis Can’t Find Airbnbs for Their Massive Rally
Florida Man Says Hidden Cameras in His Airbnb Were for Sex Parties, Not Spying
