VASS, N.C. — A tragic incident unfolded in Moore County, where a Ukrainian refugee and her boyfriend were shot and killed while caring for her younger siblings. The suspect, identified as the woman’s former partner, allegedly committed the crime on Saturday morning at her mother’s home.
Twenty-one-year-old Kateryna Tovmash, known as Kate, was looking after her siblings alongside her boyfriend, 28-year-old Matthew Wade, when the incident occurred. Authorities report that the couple was attacked by Tovmash’s ex-boyfriend, 25-year-old Caleb Fosnaugh. The children inadvertently allowed Fosnaugh into the house, unaware of his intentions.
Friends and family remember Tovmash as a vibrant young woman who escaped the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. She was described as passionate about music and photography and dedicated to her family, who joined her in the U.S. after she fled the violence. Her childhood friend, Kirill Pryshchepchuk, expressed disbelief over the events, highlighting the trauma faced by her six-year-old brother during the incident.
Wade, a soldier stationed at Fort Bragg, had recently started a relationship with Tovmash. His sisters fondly recalled their brother’s sense of humor, describing him as someone who brought joy to those around him. “He loved making people laugh, and he was very good at it,” his sister, Courtney Miller, remarked, grieving the loss of the brother they cherished.
The violence that unfolded has left the community in shock. Sources indicate that Totoovmash was happily engaged in her new life in North Carolina, sharing updates with friends and family about her accomplishments and adventures. Her unexpected death has elicited an outpouring of grief and confusion from those who knew her.
After the shooting, Fosnaugh reportedly fled back to his hometown in Ohio, where he was arrested later that day. He is currently facing two counts of murder and breaking and entering, and he remains in custody without bond.
In the wake of this devastating event, Tovmash’s family in Utah has made arrangements to bury her there, reflecting her ties to the Latter-day Saint community. To assist with the funeral, friends have raised nearly $30,000 through an online campaign, illustrating the profound impact Tovmash had on those around her.
As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of two young lives cut short by violence. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the effects of domestic violence and the challenges faced by refugees seeking stability in their new lives.