CHARLOTTE, NC – A 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee, Iryna Zarutska, was fatally stabbed on a Charlotte light rail train in what authorities describe as a random and unprovoked attack. The incident, which occurred on August 22, has sent shockwaves through the community and sparked a national debate on public safety and the handling of repeat offenders with mental health issues. Surveillance footage released by the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) shows Zarutska boarding the Lynx Blue Line train shortly before 10 p.m. She took a seat and began scrolling on her phone.
The chilling video then shows the suspect, identified as 34-year-old Decarlos Brown Jr., who had been sitting behind Zarutska, pull out a pocketknife. After a brief pause, Brown stood up and attacked Zarutska, stabbing her multiple times, including at least once in the neck. Passengers on the train reacted with screams and panic as Zarutska collapsed. Authorities were called to the scene, where Zarutska was pronounced dead shortly after.
Decarlos Brown Jr. was arrested at the scene and initially charged with first-degree murder by North Carolina prosecutors. Investigations revealed that Brown has a lengthy criminal history, including previous prison time and instances of mental health treatment, including a commitment for schizophrenia. His mother has stated that he should not have been released into the community given his background.
The Justice Department has since stepped in, federally charging Brown with a "terroristic act" for causing death on a mass transit system. This federal indictment means Brown could potentially face the death penalty if convicted. The move by federal authorities aims to send a strong message about the consequences of such violent crimes on public transportation.
The tragic death of Iryna Zarutska, who had come to the United States to escape the war in Ukraine, has prompted calls for increased security on public transit. CATS has announced plans to increase patrols on the Blue Line and review its safety protocols. The incident has also drawn criticism from various political figures regarding criminal justice policies and their impact on community safety. Meanwhile, a judge has ordered a mental evaluation for Brown to determine his competency to stand trial.
