Newly released 911 recordings from a stabbing incident aboard a light rail train in Charlotte capture the urgent attempts by passengers to assist the victim, allegedly attacked by a man who has been deported twice.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department shared details of four 911 calls linked to the stabbing death of 24-year-old Kenyon Kareem Shemar Doby, which occurred on a Blue Line train in the North Charlotte area just before 5 p.m. on December 5. This incident follows closely on the heels of the stabbing death of Ukrainian refugee Irina Zalutka on a train in Charlotte earlier.
In one of the 911 calls, a male witness immediately stepped in to help Doby after the attack.
“We need police and medical help. Someone’s been stabbed on the train!” the caller urged to the dispatcher while trying to keep Doby alert. “No, no, tell me. You’re coming for the kids, right?”
In the audio obtained, the good Samaritans can be heard providing life-saving care while awaiting paramedics.
“He’s conscious now. He’s breathing,” the caller reassured. “You’re not going to die. We have things like rags and pressure jackets.”
A memo from dispatch revealed that Doby sustained serious chest injuries. As the situation intensified, bystanders encouraged Doby to remain upright to prevent further complications.
“Wake up, wake up. You’re not going to die. Please stay with me,” one passenger urged. “They’re coming for you. Stay with me.”
As Doby struggled to breathe, the dispatcher provided instructions on how to carefully roll him onto his side to avoid suffocation.
“Turn him on his side so he doesn’t suffocate,” the dispatcher stated.
“We’re trying! Relax, relax,” a passenger responded, concerned not to cause Doby any discomfort. “But please calm down.”
Eventually, police and emergency responders arrived at the Lynx Blue Line station.
“They should be pulling up any minute now,” the dispatcher assured.
“Okay, the police are here,” the caller confirmed.
Doby was taken to the hospital to be treated for severe injuries and deep cuts.
Federal officials have charged 33-year-old Oscar Gerardo Solorzano Garcia, a Honduran national who has been deported twice and has a history of violent offenses, in connection with the stabbing. He faces charges for unlawful re-entry after deportation and assault on public transport.
A police report indicated that around 4:49 p.m., in the area of North Brevard Street, the suspect stabbed Doby in the chest before fleeing the scene.
In a statement, FBI Director Kash Patel condemned the suspect’s repeated illegal return to the U.S. “A twice-deported individual with a violent criminal background shouldn’t have been on a public train in Charlotte, or nearby American citizens,” Patel remarked. “This incident highlights what occurs when border enforcement is viewed as optional rather than mandatory.”
The stabbing follows shortly after another tragic incident where 23-year-old Zalutka was murdered while walking home from work.
