IRYNA ZARUTSKA: PAINFUL WAY TO DIE

 

Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee, was tragically murdered on a Charlotte light rail train on August 22, 2025. She was stabbed in the throat by Decarlos Brown Jr., a 34-year-old homeless man with a history of mental health issues and a lengthy criminal record .

The incident occurred at the East/West Boulevard light rail station, where Zarutska had boarded the train around 9:46 p.m. Brown, who was already on the train, attacked her without warning, stabbing her three times in the neck .

Surveillance footage released by the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) shows the horrific attack, which lasted only a few minutes. Brown can be seen fidgeting in his seat before pulling out a pocket knife and lunging at Zarutska .

The police arrested Brown shortly after the incident, and he has been charged with first-degree murder. Brown's mental capacity to stand trial has been questioned, and a court-ordered forensic evaluation is pending.

Zarutska's murder has raised concerns about public safety on Charlotte's public transportation system. The city's mayor, Vi Lyles, has called for an emergency meeting to discuss transit safety, and the CATS has announced plans to increase security measures, including adding more cameras and transit officers.