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Canterbury murder-suicide tattoo parlour GothInk Studio goes on market

A former tattoo parlour which was the scene of a shocking murder-suicide involving a husband and wife has gone on the market.

Mum-of-one Ramona Stoia was killed at the GothInk Studio in Canterbury by her husband Catalin Micu, who then took his own life.

How the former GothInk Studio in Canterbury looks today
How the former GothInk Studio in Canterbury looks today

Dozens of armed police descended upon the shop on the afternoon of April 11, and found the couple dead inside the building.

The scene of the grisly crime has since been renovated, and is now being offered to let by Sibley Pares and advertised on Rightmove.

All signs of the tattoo shop have been removed, with its deep red exterior re-painted white and signs and window displays taken down.

An online brochure for the shop states: "The property comprises a ground floor lock up shop within an established retail parade, arranged as an open sales floor with stores, staff areas and male and female WCs to the rear.

"It is finished to a modern specification having gas central heating via panel radiators, a suspended ceiling incorporating LED lighting, and vinyl flooring.

"The property also benefits from a large double fronted window display with excellent road profile to Lower Bridge Street.

Ramona Stoia and Catalin Micu pictured together in Las Vegas in 2018. Picture: Facebook
Ramona Stoia and Catalin Micu pictured together in Las Vegas in 2018. Picture: Facebook

"Externally, the property benefits two allocated car parking spaces in the rear car park accessed from Longport and Monastery Street."

Sibley Pares states its client is seeking rent of £18,000-a-year for the site.

It also describes the shop as having an "excellent road profile with large window display" with two allocated car parking spaces.

However, there is no mention of the site's history as a tattoo parlour. More information on the listing can be found here.

Catalin Micu was facing allegations he had raped his wife multiple times throughout their marriage before the tragic incident, and was on police bail when he was found dead.

The 54-year-old husband had been interviewed by police before the murder-suicide, with Ramona accusing of him of a series of sexual assaults against her.

GothInk Studio in Lower Bridge Street, Canterbury, was screened by tarpaulins following the incident
GothInk Studio in Lower Bridge Street, Canterbury, was screened by tarpaulins following the incident

Kent Police referred itself to police watchdog the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) following its contact with the couple prior to their deaths.

The IOPC confirmed it had passed the case back to Kent Police to investigate internally, but would scrutinise the results of the probe.

Ramona, of Strangers Lane, Canterbury, died from wounds to her neck, an inquest earlier this year revealed.

Meanwhile, was said to have Micu killed his wife in an "unprovoked attack" before he was seen to go behind a curtain moments before his death. He died from a stab wound to the stomach.

Tributes to Ramona Stoia, 35, outside the GothInk tattoo parlour in Canterbury
Tributes to Ramona Stoia, 35, outside the GothInk tattoo parlour in Canterbury

The tragedy sparked an outpouring of tributes from across Canterbury, where Ramona was well-known as a talented tattoo artist.

A collage of pictures of Ramona was put up on the doors of the shop, along with dozens of flowers, candles and written tributes.

One heartfelt poem, called Shining Star, said: "A shining star snatched from our sky. The question we ask ourselves is why?

"A wonderful spirit loved by all. An amazing lady so beautiful.

"Taken by the angels in such a cruel way. So heartbroken can't find the words to say.

Ramona Stoia, 35, died at GothInk tattoo parlour in Canterbury
Ramona Stoia, 35, died at GothInk tattoo parlour in Canterbury

"The tattoos you created are your legacy. Up in heaven now spirit flying free."

In February, Ramona secured a non-molestation order – a court injunction restricting or banning contact – against Micu.

It is thought the couple - who share a young son - continued to live together, but Micu was banned from “harassing or pestering” her.

But on March 26, he was arrested on suspicion of having breached this order, and of seriously sexually assaulting his wife.

Ramona came forward with a series of historic allegations of rape against her husband, dating back throughout their 16-year relationship but primarily taking place in the last few years.

Ramona Stoia, 35, died from wounds to the neck at GothInk tattoo parlour in Canterbury
Ramona Stoia, 35, died from wounds to the neck at GothInk tattoo parlour in Canterbury

There were five separate allegations, all of which reportedly took place at the family home.

Following his arrest, Micu was placed on police bail until April 20.

Under the bail conditions, he was still allowed to work alongside Ramona at GothInk Studio, of which he was the sole director.

But nine days before his bail was due to expire, he launched his deadly attack.

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