GoFundMe removed multiple fundraising campaigns created for the legal defense of Decarlos Brown Jr., accused of fatally stabbing Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska on a Charlotte train, citing its policy against supporting those charged with violent crimes.
GoFundMe says it has removed multiple fundraising campaigns created on behalf of Decarlos Brown Jr., the ex-convict accused of stabbing Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska aboard a Charlotte light-rail train.
“GoFundMe’s Terms of Service explicitly prohibit fundraisers for the legal defense of anyone formally charged with a violent crime. Consistent with this long-standing policy, all fundraisers for Decarlos Brown Jr.’s legal defense have been removed from the platform, and any donors have been fully refunded,” a spokesperson told Fox News Digital.
The company declined to disclose how many campaigns were shut down but stressed that it actively scans for and blocks similar efforts. The move followed public outrage on social media, with critics condemning the fundraisers as “an insult” to the 23-year-old victim.
Zarutska, who fled Ukraine in 2022, was remembered as a talented artist and a beloved employee at Zepeddie’s Pizza, which said, “Iryna, we miss you more than words can say. You will forever be in our hearts.”
Court records allege Brown stabbed Zarutska multiple times in the neck on August 22. He is charged with first-degree murder and is being held without bond. Brown, who has a lengthy criminal record, previously served over six years for armed robbery.
A verified GoFundMe for Zarutska’s family remains active.