Company says it will ‘fully cooperate’ with police after three men charged with murder

This article is more than 2 years old

This article is more than 2 years old

A customer who booked into a Melbourne house on Airbnb was allegedly murdered by three men who live there.

A 36-year-old man was reportedly paying $30 a night to stay at the Brighton East home where he was allegedly raped and murdered on 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 the man, while Colton was charged with murder and also raping the victim 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”.

“There is no place on Airbnb for such an abhorrent act, which violates everything our global community stands for,” the company said. “We have removed this listing from our platform and will fully co-operate with law enforcement on their investigation.”

Friends paid tribute to the victim, 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,” one wrote on Facebook. “I can’t believe that you are gone but I only hope you are at peace and in a better place.”

Another wrote: “The world is a darker place now knowing we won’t hear your beautiful laugh again.”

The cause of 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 22 March.

• This story was amended on 31 October 2017 for legal reasons.