Second Ukrainian Refugee Found Dead in North Carolina

In North Carolina, 21-year-ancient Ekaterina Tovmash, a refugee from Ukraine, and her boyfriend were found shot dead in a private home on February 14th. This incident marks the second time in less than a year that a Ukrainian woman seeking refuge in North Carolina has been killed, according to reports from local police and Mikhail Tovmash, the brother of the deceased, shared on social media.

Details of the Shooting

The suspect has been identified as Caleb Hayden Fosno, 25, the victim’s ex-boyfriend. Fosno reportedly traveled approximately seven hours from Ohio to North Carolina and unlawfully entered the residence at night. At the time of the shooting, two school-aged sisters and a six-year-old brother were present in the home.

According to the investigation, Fosno woke the children and compelled the young boy to lead him to his sister’s room. He then opened fire, resulting in the deaths of Ekaterina Tovmash and her 28-year-old partner. Fosno fled the scene but was later apprehended by law enforcement.

He has been charged with unlawful entry into a dwelling and two counts of premeditated murder.

Ekaterina Tovmash’s Background

Ekaterina Tovmash was originally from Bila Tserkva, Ukraine. She and her family relocated to the United States following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, having lived in the U.S. For two years.

Previous Incident Involving Ukrainian Refugee

On August 22, 2025, Irina Zarutskaya, another Ukrainian refugee, was fatally stabbed at the East/West Boulevard train station in Charlotte, North Carolina. DeCarlos Brown Jr., a 34-year-old homeless man, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection with Zarutskaya’s death. Brown had a prior criminal record dating back to 2011, including arrests for theft, robbery with a weapon, and threats.

Following Zarutskaya’s murder, then-US President Donald Trump called for the death penalty for DeCarlos Brown Jr.