Airbnb sued over tourist’s murder in Costa Rica
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.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
France prepares for a massive strike across all transports on September 18
Turkish tourism stalls due to soaring prices for accommodation and food
CCS Insight: eSIMs ready to take the travel world by storm
Germany new European Entry/Exit System limited to a single airport on October 12, 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt