GoFundMe announced the removal of several fundraising campaigns set up for DeCarlos Brown Jr., who is accused of fatally stabbing Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska in Charlotte, North Carolina. The company clarified that its terms strictly forbid fundraising for legal defenses of individuals facing serious criminal charges, particularly violent crimes. As a result of this policy, all fundraisers for Brown’s legal representation were taken down, and donors received full refunds.
Reports indicate that the campaigns were removed shortly after being reported. While GoFundMe did not disclose how many campaigns were deleted, it assured that it actively monitors the platform to prevent similar fundraising efforts for individuals facing serious accusations.
This move came in light of public outcry on social media, where critics described the fundraising for the accused murderer as “inhumane” toward the 23-year-old victim.
Zarutska, a Ukrainian refugee who fled her home country with her family in 2022 due to the war, was working at a local pizzeria called Zepeddie’s at the time of her death. In a heartfelt statement, the Zepeddie family expressed their grief, saying they lost not only an employee but a cherished friend. They shared that Iryna left this world too soon and would always be in their hearts.
Described as a passionate artist, Zarutska graduated from Kiev’s Synergy College with a degree in arts and recovery. Friends noted her creativity and love for animals, expressing that she dreamed of being a veterinary assistant.
According to court records, authorities determined that Zarutska was stabbed multiple times while seated in front of Brown on the Lynx Blue Line. Surveillance footage showed her, in her pizzeria uniform, appearing to scroll on her phone just moments before the attack.
Witnesses reported that after a few minutes of sitting with Zarutska, Brown pulled out a knife and struck her three times, including a serious wound to her neck. He faces first-degree murder charges in North Carolina.
Brown has a history of criminal activity, with previous convictions including robbery, and was released from prison in 2020, remaining on parole until 2021. Recent charges against him included making threats and misuse of emergency services earlier this year.
While fundraising efforts for Brown’s defense have been halted, a verified campaign to support Zarutska’s family is currently active on GoFundMe. This tragic incident has sparked renewed calls for improved public safety measures across U.S. cities.
In a recent speech, former President Trump addressed the stabbing, emphasizing the existence of evil people and offering his condolences to Zarutska’s family.
