October 30, 2024
A mountain Airbnb in Evergreen, Colorado, was left trashed and unusable after a brief stay turned into a large, damaging gathering that authorities say was likely organized by gang members. Karen Martiz, the property’s host, faces an estimated $16,000 in repairs due to extensive damage, all while unable to rent the property during cleanup and restoration.
“I put all my energy and love into making this property beautiful for my guests,” Martiz told Fox News. “We’ve hosted for two years, and this was the first time I showed up to find my house completely destroyed. I couldn’t believe it.” The home, marked as non-smoking, was left littered with cigarette butts, cans, drug baggies, and gum stuck to walls, ceilings, and carpets.
Martiz arrived to find her once-pristine property with its living space emptied and carpets irreparably stained. “It was a horrible scene,” she shared, describing the overwhelming damage. Local authorities have since told her they suspect the group behind the vandalism are members of the Tren de Aragua gang, a Venezuelan criminal organization that has recently gained attention for similar activities in the area. Martiz said that a neighbor heard gunshots during the incident, raising further safety concerns.
Local authorities estimate 80 to 100 individuals contributed to the damage, which has now left Martiz financially stranded. “We’re not going to be able to rent the property for about a month until we get everything fixed,” she explained, adding that Airbnb rentals help cover her mortgage. Martiz has reached out to Airbnb in the hopes of reimbursement, though she continues to face immediate financial pressures.
The gang’s alleged involvement has revived concerns about migrant crime in Colorado, echoing warnings from Republican leaders, including former President Donald Trump. When asked whether she felt Trump’s claims about migrant gang activity were exaggerated, Martiz was firm. “Absolutely no exaggeration at all,” she told Fox News. “This is very real and should be taken very seriously. These people are not here to do good… They’re destroying properties and people’s lives. Something needs to happen—this needs to stop, 100%, as soon as possible.”
The incident follows a rise in reports of the Tren de Aragua gang’s criminal activities, with local authorities recently citing similar disruptions and violence in Colorado communities.
Sources:
- Fox News Digital
- FOX31 Denver
