The family of a US woman murdered in Costa Rica close to an apartment complex booked through Airbnb is suing the home-sharing platform.
Carla Stefaniak’s family alleges Airbnb and the Villa le Mas complex are responsible for her death.
Security guard Bismarck Espinosa Martinez, who was employed at the complex was arrested in connection with her death.
Martinez is an illegal immigrant from Nicaragua and the lawsuit claims his legal authorisation for employment was not checked.
Giving him access to all units in the complex was also a contributing factor, the complaint alleges.
Stefaniak died last month of blunt force trauma and multiple stab wounds.
Espinosa Martinez, 32, was staying in the apartment next to Stefaniak’s rental.
Airbnb said Villa le Mas has since been removed from the platform.
"We have also been in contact with Costa Rican and American law enforcement authorities, and we are standing by to support their investigation, as justice must be served quickly," Airbnb said.
Family members believe other people were involved in helping to dispose of Ms Stefaniak’s body and are seeking damages ‘in excess of $15,000’ from the resort and Airbnb.
