A 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee was fatally stabbed on a Charlotte light rail train, sparking outrage over the violent incident. Surveillance footage released by the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) captures the attack on Iryna Zarutska, who was killed while riding the Lynx Bline line on August 22. The video shows Zarutska, wearing her pizzeria uniform and scrolling on her phone, being approached by a man in a red hoodie. Four minutes later, the suspect pulled out a knife and stabbed her three times, including once in the neck. Zarutska collapsed as blood spilled onto the floor, and authorities confirmed she died at the scene. The suspect then removed his sweatshirt and waited by the train doors while passengers watched.
Decarlos Dejuan Brown Jr., 34, was arrested after police responded to an emergency call. Court documents reveal he had a cut on his right hand and was taken into custody following medical treatment. A folding knife was recovered near the platform. Brown has a history of criminal convictions, including armed robbery, felony larceny, breaking and entering, and shoplifting. His mother alleged he was diagnosed with schizophrenia after serving five years for an armed robbery conviction and that courts failed to address his mental health issues and past violent behavior.
The case has drawn scrutiny over the justice system’s handling of repeat offenders. Congressman Randy Fine announced plans to introduce legislation targeting judges who release violent individuals, citing concerns about public safety. The incident highlights ongoing debates about accountability and the consequences of repeated criminal activity.
