A tragic series of events unfolded involving Maree Vermont, a woman found dead in her incinerated home in Goldie, Victoria, on August 5, 2023. Prior to her death, Maree confided in family and friends about her concerns regarding her house guest, British traveller Timothy Loosemore, who had been living with her as an Airbnb guest since 2022.
Maree’s mother, Shirley Adams, testified in a Supreme Court trial that her daughter had initially welcomed Loosemore to stay and assist with tasks around the property in return for accommodation and meals. While they developed a friendship and shared an intimate moment, Maree was clear about her intentions—she did not seek a romantic relationship with him. Adams recounted how Maree had mentioned feeling that Loosemore was becoming “clingy” and intended to ask him to leave soon.
Having separated from her husband at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Maree sought to manage her property independently and had listed it on Airbnb to cover costs following her ex-partner’s departure. Despite Loosemore’s initial kindness and support, she felt increasingly overwhelmed and expressed a desire for her own space. She had been looking forward to a much-anticipated holiday in Vietnam before her untimely end.
Further testimonies indicated that Maree conveyed to her brother, Paul Adams, that she had no affection for Loosemore, clarifying that she wanted “to get on with her life.” A close friend, Jacqueline Burns, revealed that Maree had told her about the pressures of having Loosemore around too often, remarking on how he “was always there” and how she needed a break.
Prosecutors allege that Loosemore was responsible for Maree’s death and the subsequent fire that consumed her home, asserting he either murdered her before setting the house on fire or assaulted her and attempted to cover it up. When discovered, Maree had sustained catastrophic burns, rendering her limbs almost unrecognisable.
Loosemore has pleaded not guilty to all charges, including murder and arson. The case continues to unfold, revealing the tragic confrontation between desire for companionship and the need for personal autonomy, ending in a devastating loss.