The family of 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska has spoken out in horror after she was brutally and randomly stabbed to death aboard a Charlotte light rail train on August 22.
Zarutska, who had fled Ukraine’s war in 2022, was working at a local pizzeria when she boarded the Lynx Blue Line light rail that evening. According to surveillance footage, she sat quietly—wearing her work uniform—when a stranger approached from behind, produced a knife, and began stabbing her without warning. She collapsed just minutes into the ride and died at the scene. The suspect, 34-year-old Decarlos Brown Jr., was arrested immediately after exiting the train. He faces charge of first-degree murder and a federal indictment for committing a crime aboard a mass transportation system that could carry the death penalty. U.S. officials, including Attorney General Pamela Bondi, have denounced the attack as a “terroristic act” and pledged to seek the maximum penalty, while the FBI has vowed that he will never be released. (“Iryna Zarutska was a young woman living the American dream … we will seek the maximum penalty for this unforgivable act of violence—he will never again see the light of day as a free man.”) (“The brutal attack … was a disgraceful act that should never happen in America.”)
Her family, through their lawyers, released a statement saying, “We are heartbroken beyond words. Iryna came here to find peace and safety, and instead her life was stolen from her in the most horrific way.” They added, “No family should have to go through this,” and they called on prosecutors to bring justice and address systemic failures in public safety. They also urged the public not to circulate the disturbing footage out of respect for Iryna’s memory.
Brown’s criminal history, including 14 previous arrests and a diagnosis of schizophrenia, has fueled public anger and political debate. His brother, Jeremiah, blamed the judicial system for failing to keep Iryna safe, saying, “He should suffer the consequences,” and adding, “He could do it again. They should still treat him for his mental issues but there are consequences for his actions.” He criticized the magistrate judge’s orders that allowed Brown’s release earlier in the year.