VASS, N.C. — A tragic incident unfolded on Valentine’s Day as a woman and a U.S. Army soldier lost their lives in a shooting allegedly carried out by the woman’s former partner. The shooting occurred early in the morning at a residence on Daphne Lane in the Woodlake community of Moore County.
Responding to the scene around 7:45 a.m., deputies discovered the bodies of 21-year-old Kateryna Tovmash and 28-year-old Matthew Wade. Tovmash was identified as a Ukrainian refugee, a detail highlighted by her family in a social media post that followed the incident. Hours later, law enforcement apprehended 25-year-old Caleb Fosnaugh in Ohio, where he was taken into custody without incident.
Fosnaugh faces serious charges, including breaking and entering, along with two counts of murder. According to the Moore County Sheriff’s Office, he had a previous relationship with Tovmash. As of February 16, he remained in custody at the Coshocton County jail while arrangements were being made for his extradition back to North Carolina.
The sheriff’s office reiterated the collaborative efforts of local and state agencies from both states in capturing Fosnaugh, but specific details regarding when he would return to North Carolina remain unclear. “This is a tragic and senseless loss of life,” the sheriff stated in a news release, extending condolences to the victims’ families and praising the coordination efforts that led to the suspect’s arrest.
Wade, originally from Mississippi, was stationed at Fort Bragg, although officials have not confirmed the exact nature of his relationship with Tovmash. This incident marks a devastating chapter for the community, particularly as it follows another high-profile case involving a Ukrainian refugee in the region. Last August, Iryna Zarutska was killed while traveling on a light rail train in Charlotte, an event that brought significant national attention.
In the wake of this recent tragedy, friends and community members have rallied to support Tovmash’s family. A GoFundMe campaign was launched to cover funeral expenses and had surpassed $10,000 within days of its creation.
Moore County, situated about two hours east of Charlotte, grapples with the aftermath of this double homicide. Local residents are left in shock as they process the loss of two lives in a violent act that raises questions about domestic violence and the safety of vulnerable communities.