Controversial Fundraiser for Accused Killer Removed
A troubling online fundraiser for a man accused of murdering Ukrainian refugees on a North Carolina train has emerged, following backlash over legal defense funding.
The campaign claims DeCarlos Brown Jr., a repeat offender with over 14 arrests, is a victim of a flawed and racist justice system, suggesting he was wronged after allegedly killing 35-year-old Iryna Zarutska.
“Yes, the incident on the blue line was tragic, but we shouldn’t lose sight of how the justice system and mental health services in North Carolina failed DeCarlos,” one backer stated.
Another comment from the fundraiser proclaimed, “Every contribution helps cover Brown’s legal costs and combat racism and bias. Thank you for supporting this corrupt story.” This sparked a wave of outrage after surveillance footage showed Brown attacking the 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee with a knife on August 22.
As screenshots of this “mental illness” fundraiser circulated on social media, it garnered widespread criticism, leading to its removal from the site.
Gofundme later stated, “Our Terms of Use expressly prohibit fundraising for the legal defense of individuals charged with violent crimes.” Following this, the fundraiser was taken down, and contributors received refunds.
According to court records, Brown has over 12 convictions since 2014, and he now faces murder charges related to Zarutska’s death.
