GoFundMe has pulled down multiple online campaigns that sought to raise money for the man accused of stabbing a Ukrainian refugee to death on a Charlotte light rail train.
The pages, which claimed to support 35-year-old Decarlos Brown Jr., sparked outrage for suggesting he was a “victim” of the system.
The Fundraisers
One page claimed Brown had been “failed categorically by the judicial system and the mental health services of North Carolina.”
Another called on donors to fight “racism and bias against our people.”
Some even argued Brown was “not entirely to blame” for the brutal murder.
Brown, a homeless man with at least 14 prior arrests, is charged with first-degree murder.
He was captured on surveillance video stabbing 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska dozens of times on Aug. 22.
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The refugee, who had fled war in Ukraine, was left bleeding to death inside the Blue Line train.
Public Outrage
Social media erupted after screenshots of the fundraisers spread.
No one should donate to GoFundMe… EVER AGAIN. This is disgusting. pic.twitter.com/9H3HCFSMzE
— Juanita Broaddrick (@atensnut) September 7, 2025
🚨EXCLUSIVE🚨
After reaching out to GoFundMe, they told me they’ve removed all of the fundraisers for murder suspect Decarlos Brown Jr.
“GoFundMe’s Terms of Service explicitly prohibit fundraisers that raise money for the legal defense of anyone formally charged with an alleged… pic.twitter.com/3834jWpaWz
— Breanna Morello (@BreannaMorello) September 7, 2025
GoFundMe’s Response
The platform confirmed the campaigns violated its terms of service.
“Fundraisers for the legal defense of anyone formally charged with an alleged violent crime are prohibited,” GoFundMe said.
Donors to the deleted campaigns have been fully refunded.
The Victim
Zarutska had recently arrived in the U.S. seeking safety and a new beginning.
She was described as “a bright light” whose life was tragically cut short.
A verified GoFundMe for her family has already raised more than $80,000 to cover funeral expenses.
Brown’s Record
Court documents show Brown’s rap sheet includes robbery with a dangerous weapon, felony larceny, and making threats.
Screenshot
He had been arrested at least 14 times since 2014, yet was still free.
Critics say his release is a direct result of broken criminal justice and mental health policies.
