Overview
- A Hennepin County jury convicted Marisa Simonetti, 32, of misdemeanor domestic assault, harassment and disorderly conduct for a June 2024 incident at her Edina residence.
- Video and court records show a live tarantula, tacks and other items were thrown down basement stairs as an unknown substance was sprayed during a forced entry into the rental area.
- The renter made multiple 911 calls reporting loud banging, a cut internet connection and a door being dismantled before hiding and leaving a laptop to record events.
- Simonetti has said she bought the spider to scare the renter and cited the movie Home Alone, while the sides dispute whether the renter was a paying Airbnb guest or a squatter.
- Simonetti represented herself at trial, is under a no‑contact order with the renter and is scheduled for sentencing on May 1.