GoFundMe Removes Fundraisers Supporting Suspect in Iryna Zarutska’s Murder

In the wake of the tragic stabbing of 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska aboard a Charlotte light rail train, GoFundMe has taken swift action to remove multiple fundraising campaigns that sought to support her alleged attacker, Decarlos Brown Jr. The 34-year-old, with a history of criminal offenses, has been charged with first-degree murder following the August 22 incident.

The fundraisers, which portrayed Brown as a victim of systemic failure and racism, sparked widespread outrage. One campaign claimed that Brown was “failed categorically by the judicial system and the mental health services of North Carolina,” suggesting he was not entirely to blame for the tragedy. Another fundraiser titled “Fight against the racism and bias against our people” implied that the mental health system failed Brown due to his race. These narratives were met with condemnation from the public, who viewed them as an attempt to downplay the severity of the crime and disrespect the victim’s memory.

In response to the backlash, GoFundMe removed the campaigns for violating its policies prohibiting fundraising for individuals charged with violent crimes. The platform stated that such fundraisers are explicitly prohibited under its Terms of Service, and all donors who contributed to these campaigns were fully refunded.

Meanwhile, a GoFundMe campaign launched by Zarutska’s family in her honor has raised over $79,000, reflecting the public’s support for the victim and her loved ones.

The incident has ignited discussions about the intersection of race, mental health, and the criminal justice system in the United States. While some advocate for reforms to address systemic issues, others emphasize the need for accountability in cases of violent crime. The case continues to unfold, with authorities conducting a mental health evaluation of Brown as part of the ongoing investigation.