A shocking case from North Carolina has drawn national attention after a fundraiser set up for a murder suspect was shut down by GoFundMe. The case involves the tragic death of a young Ukrainian immigrant who had come to the United States seeking safety, only to lose her life in a brutal incident on a light rail train.
GoFundMe Shuts Down Fundraisers for Murder Suspect
Several GoFundMe pages were created to raise money for the legal defense of 34-year-old Decarlos Dejuan Brown Jr., who has been charged with first-degree murder. Social media users shared screenshots of these fundraisers before they were taken down.
The pages argued that Brown was let down by the state’s judicial and mental health systems, suggesting he was not fully to blame. Another page claimed the fundraiser was to fight against “racism and bias.”
GoFundMe, however, quickly removed all such fundraisers. A spokesperson confirmed that the platform’s policy does not allow fundraising for legal defense in cases where someone has been formally charged with a violent crime. Donors who had already contributed were refunded.
The Fatal Incident on the Light Rail Train
The incident took place on the night of August 22. According to surveillance footage, Iryna Zarutska, 23, sat in front of Brown on the train. After about four minutes, Brown allegedly stood up, pulled out a knife, and stabbed her multiple times without any prior interaction.
Zarutska, who had recently escaped the war in Ukraine and settled in North Carolina, was pronounced dead at the scene. Police arrested Brown on the train platform shortly after the attack.
The Background of the Suspect
Court records show Brown has a lengthy criminal history. In 2015, he was sentenced to five years in prison for armed robbery, breaking and entering, and larceny. After his release in 2020, he was arrested again in 2022 for allegedly assaulting a woman and damaging property.
Brown is currently homeless, according to court documents. Following his arrest for Zarutska’s murder, a judge ordered him to undergo a mental health competency evaluation. His next court date is scheduled for September 19.
The Victim’s Story
Zarutska’s death has deeply saddened the community. Friends and reports describe her as an artist who had left Ukraine to start a new life in America, far from the war. Unfortunately, her journey for safety ended in tragedy.
What Happens Next
The case is ongoing, and Brown remains in custody. Authorities are awaiting the results of his mental health evaluation before moving forward with the trial. Meanwhile, Zarutska’s story has become a painful reminder of how violence can strike unexpectedly, even for those seeking refuge and peace.
The shutting down of the fundraisers highlights GoFundMe’s strict stance against supporting individuals accused of violent crimes. While some tried to justify Brown’s actions, the platform made it clear that victims deserve justice, not campaigns that defend the accused in such serious cases.
