Ukrainian Refugee Killed in North Carolina Home Invasion

Childhood friend remembers Kateryna Tovmash as a kind, caring person who helped care for her younger siblings

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Caleb Fosnaugh, 25, is accused of killing his ex-girlfriend Kateryna Tovmash, 21, a Ukrainian refugee, and her boyfriend Matthew Wade, 28, a Fort Bragg soldier, in Tovmash's mother's home in Vass, North Carolina. Tovmash's childhood friend Kirill Pryshchepchuk remembered her as a happy, caring person who helped care for her younger siblings after fleeing the war in Ukraine.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the challenges faced by refugees who have fled war-torn countries like Ukraine, only to encounter violence in their new homes. It also raises questions about domestic violence, gun violence, and the need for better support systems for vulnerable populations.

The details

According to investigators, Fosnaugh drove from Ohio to Tovmash's mother's home in Vass, North Carolina, where he allegedly shot and killed Tovmash and Wade. Tovmash's 6-year-old brother was present during the incident. Fosnaugh then drove back towards Ohio, where he was later arrested.

  • On Valentine's Day 2026, the shooting occurred just after sunrise.
  • Fosnaugh was arrested on Saturday in Ohio.

The players

Caleb Fosnaugh

A 25-year-old man accused of killing his ex-girlfriend Kateryna Tovmash and her boyfriend Matthew Wade.

Kateryna Tovmash

A 21-year-old Ukrainian refugee who was killed in her mother's home in Vass, North Carolina.

Matthew Wade

A 28-year-old Fort Bragg soldier who was killed along with Kateryna Tovmash.

Kirill Pryshchepchuk

A childhood friend of Kateryna Tovmash who remembered her as a kind, caring person.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“That's what I want others to know; that was not supposed to happen. That's not normal in this world.”

— Kirill Pryshchepchuk, Childhood friend of Kateryna Tovmash (WRAL News)

“She told me everything. She updated me on her life, and she was happy. That's what I knew. I knew that she was happy.”

— Kirill Pryshchepchuk, Childhood friend of Kateryna Tovmash (WRAL News)

What’s next

Caleb Fosnaugh is being held without bond in Ohio and will go before a judge to face murder charges.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by refugees who have fled war-torn countries, as well as the need for better support systems and resources to protect vulnerable populations from violence.