VASS, N.C. — Authorities have identified the victims of a tragic double homicide that occurred on Valentine’s Day. The incident has left the community in shock as details continue to emerge about the circumstances surrounding the crime.
Deputies from the Moore County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene around 7:45 a.m. after receiving reports of gunfire at a residence on Daphne Lane. Upon arrival, officers discovered the bodies of a man and a woman inside the home. They were later confirmed to be Kateryna Tovmash, 21, and Matthew Wade, 28.
Wade, a soldier stationed at Fort Bragg, was described by family members as someone who had long aspired to serve in the military. His sister shared how excited he was about an upcoming deployment to Italy. Tovmash, originally from Ukraine, had recently moved to Vass, seeking a new life after escaping her home country.
Initial investigations revealed that the suspected shooter, 25-year-old Caleb Hayden Fosnaugh, fled the scene shortly before law enforcement arrived. According to reports, Tovmash and Fosnaugh had a prior relationship in Ohio, raising questions about the motive behind the shooting.
Authorities immediately issued a broadcast alert to be on the lookout for Fosnaugh, believing he was making his way back to his hometown. The search for him concluded just hours later when local law enforcement in Coshocton, Ohio, apprehended him—approximately seven hours from the crime scene in North Carolina.
Moore County Sheriff Ronnie Fields expressed appreciation for the swift collaboration with law enforcement across state lines, emphasizing the importance of teamwork in resolving such serious incidents. Fosnaugh is now facing multiple charges, including two counts of murder and breaking and entering, as investigators continue to piece together the events leading up to this devastating crime.
The Moore County community is left grappling with the aftermath, mourning the loss of two lives while seeking answers and justice in the days ahead.