CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee who had recently settled in Charlotte to escape the war in her homeland, was fatally stabbed on the evening of August 22nd while riding a LYNX Blue Line light rail train. Zarutska was on her way home from her job at a local pizzeria when she was attacked in what police have described as a random act of violence.
The tragic incident was captured on the train's surveillance cameras. The footage shows a man, later identified as 34-year-old Decarlos Brown Jr., sitting behind Zarutska. Without any apparent interaction or provocation, Brown stands up, pulls out a knife, and stabs her in the neck. The sudden and brutal attack caused panic among other passengers, who rushed to Zarutska's aid. Despite their efforts, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Brown, who is reportedly homeless, was arrested shortly after the attack and has been charged with first-degree murder. Court records reveal that he has a long and troubled history with the law, with at least 14 prior cases in Mecklenburg County. His criminal record includes a five-year prison sentence for robbery with a dangerous weapon, as well as a history of mental health crises, including a diagnosis of schizophrenia.
The senseless killing of a young woman who had sought refuge from violence only to become a victim of it has sparked outrage and grief. A GoFundMe campaign started by a family friend to help with funeral expenses and support her family has raised nearly $75,000. The page describes Zarutska as a "kind, sweet, and loving person" who was "excited to be in America and was looking forward to a new life."
The case has also drawn criticism from local and national figures, who have questioned why Brown was on the streets despite his history of violence and mental illness. Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles called Zarutska's death a "senseless and tragic loss," and the incident has ignited a debate about the effectiveness of the city's public safety measures and its support systems for individuals with mental health issues.
