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Ukrainian refugee and boyfriend murdered by ex-lover in North Carolina

Feb 16, 2026, 10:55 AM10
(Update: Feb 16, 2026, 10:55 AM)
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state of the United States of America

Ukrainian refugee and boyfriend murdered by ex-lover in North Carolina

  • Kateryna Tovmash and Matthew Wade were found dead in bed by police responding to a shooting report.
  • Caleb Hayden Fosnaugh traveled from Ohio and forced Kateryna's sibling to wake her before the shooting.
  • This tragic incident is the second violent death of a Ukrainian refugee in North Carolina in six months.
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In North Carolina, a tragic double homicide occurred on Valentine's Day, resulting in the deaths of 21-year-old Ukrainian refugee Kateryna Tovmash and her military boyfriend, 28-year-old Matthew Wade. Law enforcement responded to a shooting report on Daphne Lane at approximately 7:45 AM, discovering both victims deceased in their bed. Kateryna's ex-boyfriend, 25-year-old Caleb Hayden Fosnaugh, reportedly traveled from Ohio to carry out the attack, first forcing one of her younger siblings to awaken her before committing the act. This incident marks the second violent death of a Ukrainian refugee in North Carolina within six months, raising concerns about the safety of individuals from war-torn regions who seek refuge in other countries. Fosnaugh fled the crime scene in a white Ford Mustang after the shooting, prompting an interstate search involving multiple law enforcement agencies across North Carolina and Ohio. His actions allegedly stemmed from personal jealousy, an area highlighted by Matthews Wade's sister in her heartfelt social media posts, where she expressed her devastation and the senseless nature of the violence. The community is mourning the loss of the couple, while their families seek assistance for funeral costs, particularly for Tovmash, whose family fled Ukraine amid ongoing conflict. The incident has once again brought national attention to the challenges faced by Ukrainian refugees in the United States, following the recent violent death of another Ukrainian woman, Iryna Zarutska, in Charlotte. The public outcry surrounding these violent events has reignited discussions about crime, public safety, and the treatment of refugees in the U.S. The Moore County officials continue to investigate the circumstances leading to this tragedy, emphasizing that the investigation remains active as they work towards understanding the motivations behind the crime. As the community processes this shocking double homicide, conversations surrounding violence against vulnerable populations in America are becoming increasingly urgent. Many hope that this horrific event will prompt stronger protective measures for refugees, who are searching for safety and a chance to rebuild their lives away from war. Through memories shared by loved ones and friends, the victims' kindness and dedication to caring for others live on, despite the tragic violence that claimed their lives.

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