Elias Elhania was 18 when he was fatally shot at a large house party on August 7, 2021, at a Sunnyvale home that had been rented through Airbnb. The gathering, advertised on social media, drew roughly 150 to 200 people, charged cover for some guests and served alcohol to many underage attendees. Amid the chaos, Elias was shot by a 17-year-old he did not know; he was taken to hospital and died of his injuries. Another person was wounded but survived.

Elias’s parents, Zahra Elmenjaoui and Abdallah Elhania, have sued Airbnb and the homeowner, Ke Zhou, alleging the property was improperly listed as an entire home and the owner failed to follow local rules requiring on-site residence and proper registration. The suit, filed in state court then moved to federal court, seeks damages and changes to short-term rental practices. The 17-year-old suspect was arrested and the case is pending in juvenile court; the motive has not been established.

Does anyone have information about the party, the rental listing, or attendees that could help clarify what happened?