GoFundMe removes fundraisers for man accused of killing Ukrainian refugee on public transport

GoFundMe has taken down fundraisers that were created for a man accused of killing a Ukrainian refugee in what appears to be a random attack.

On August 22, a man stabbed 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska to death on a train in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Police have since identified Decarlos Dejuan Brown Jr. as a key suspect in the killing of the Ukrainian refugee after footage emerged showing him sat behind Zarutska on the train on the day of the attack.

A day after her death, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department issued a statement that read: "Brown was transported to Atrium Health with non-life-threatening injuries sustained at the time of the incident. Brown will be arrested upon his release. He is charged with First Degree Murder...

"Ms. Zarutska’s next of kin has been notified of her death and of this case update. The investigation into this case is active and ongoing."

Iryna Zarutska has been named as the young woman who died in the attack (Iryna Zarutska/Instagram)

Brown went on to stand before a judge on August 29, who denied him bail.

The POTUS has since weighed in on the tragic incident.

President Donald Trump told reporters yesterday (September 7) when asked about the devastating ordeal after new footage was released: "I haven't heard... when did this happen?"

He proceeded to call the whole thing 'horrible' and assured the press that he'll 'know all about it by tomorrow morning'.

In light of Brown being held without bond, fundraisers were reportedly created for him to help pay for his legal fees. The suspect is reportedly 34 years old and homeless.

One GoFundMe page for him read, as per New York Post: "While what happened on the Blue Line was a tragedy, what we mustn’t lose sight of is the fact that Decarlos Brown Jr. was failed categorically by the judicial system and the mental health services of North Carolina, and as such is not entirely to blame for what happened."

Decarlos Brown Jr. has been charged with first degree murder (Mecklenburg County Sheriff Office)

While another is reported to have said: "Raising money to assist with legal fees for Decarlos Dejuan Brown Jr. Anything helps fight against the racism and bias against our people. Thank you for giving us a hand to push against this corrupt narrative."

The fundraisers quickly sparked outrage online and GoFundMe has since taken them down.

Addressing the matter, a GoFundMe spokesperson told UNILAD: "GoFundMe’s Terms of Service explicitly prohibit fundraisers that raise money 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 who contributed have been fully refunded."

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available through Mental Health America. Call or text 988 to reach a 24-hour crisis center or you can webchat at 988lifeline.org. You can also reach the Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741.

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