GoFundMe Shuts Down Fundraisers Supporting Alleged Train Murderer Decarlos Brown Jr. After Public Outcry

GoFundMe removes fundraisers for Decarlos Brown Jr., 34, accused of murdering Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska, 23, on a Charlotte train, following public outrage.

Charlotte, NC – GoFundMe has swiftly removed several fundraising campaigns created to support Decarlos Brown Jr., a 34-year-old ex-convict accused of the brutal murder of 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska on a Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) light rail train on August 22. The decision follows intense public backlash after the campaigns, which claimed Brown was a victim of systemic failures, gained attention on social media.

The horrific incident unfolded on the Lynx Blue Line, where Zarutska, who fled Ukraine in 2022 to escape the ongoing war, was fatally stabbed in the neck while returning home from her job at a local pizzeria. Surveillance footage captured Brown, seated behind her, pulling out a folding knife and attacking her without warning. Zarutska died at the scene as passengers fled in panic. Brown, described as homeless with a lengthy criminal history, was arrested at the next station and charged with first-degree murder. His bond was denied, and he remains in custody.

Brown’s rap sheet spans over a decade, with at least 14 arrests in Mecklenburg County for offenses including assault, communicating threats, and misuse of the 911 system. A diagnosed schizophrenic with a history of psychiatric commitments, he was released from prison in 2020 and was out on bail at the time of the attack. The case has fueled public anger and criticism of Charlotte’s judicial and mental health systems, with many questioning how Brown was free to board the train that day.

The now-deleted GoFundMe campaigns, which sought funds for Brown’s legal defense, described him as a victim of a “racist judicial system” and inadequate mental health support. Screenshots of the fundraisers circulated widely on platforms like X, prompting swift condemnation from users who called them “disgraceful” and “insulting” to Zarutska’s memory. GoFundMe responded promptly, stating, “Our Terms of Service prohibit raising money for the legal defense of anyone charged with a violent crime. All fundraisers for Decarlos Brown Jr. have been removed, and donors have been refunded.” The platform did not disclose the number of campaigns or funds raised before their removal.

Meanwhile, a legitimate GoFundMe for Zarutska’s family, organized to cover funeral costs for her aunt and uncle, has raised over $60,000. The campaign described her as a vibrant young woman who “found joy in her work and new life in America” before her tragic death. Her story has resonated deeply, highlighting the vulnerability of refugees seeking safety abroad.

The murder has sparked broader conversations about public safety and criminal justice reform. High-profile figures, including President Donald Trump, who called the attack “heartbreaking” on Truth Social, and Piers Morgan, who labeled it “gut-wrenching,” have amplified the case, urging systemic changes. The Charlotte City Council is slated to address transit safety concerns, including increased police presence, at its September 22 meeting.

As the community mourns Zarutska, the incident underscores the challenges of balancing mental health support, criminal justice policies, and public safety, while her family and supporters seek justice for a life cut short.