Second Ukrainian Refugee Found Dead in North Carolina in Less Than a Year

A 21-year-old Ukrainian refugee, Kateryna Tovmash, was fatally shot in her home in Vass, North Carolina, on February 14, 2026, alongside her boyfriend, 28-year-old Matthew Wade. This marks the second such incident involving Ukrainian refugees in North Carolina within the past year, raising concerns about safety, and security.

Details of the Incident

According to local police reports and statements from the victim’s brother, Mykhailo Tovmash, the suspect, 25-year-old Caleb Hayden Fosno, traveled approximately seven hours from Ohio to North Carolina. He then unlawfully entered Tovmash’s home overnight. Fosno, identified as Tovmash’s former boyfriend, allegedly woke children inside the residence – two school-aged sisters and a six-year-old brother – and forced the young boy to lead him to his sister’s bedroom. He then shot and killed both Tovmash and Wade in front of the child.

Law enforcement officers detained Fosno after he fled the scene. He has been charged with unlawful entry and two counts of first-degree murder.

Background of the Victim

Kateryna 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 approximately two years.

Previous Incident

In August 2025, 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska was fatally stabbed at a train station in Charlotte, North Carolina. Decarlos Brown Jr., a homeless man with a history of violent crime and mental health issues, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection with Zarutska’s death. Kyiv Independent

Family’s Plea

Mykhailo Tovmash expressed his grief and frustration, stating, “This is a second time for the past year, when a Ukrainian woman who is a refugee and is hiding for safety in North Carolina, gets murdered by a man.” Kyiv Independent

Ongoing Investigation

Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the murder of Kateryna Tovmash and Matthew Wade. Pravda.com.ua