Tragic Stabbing of Ukrainian Refugee in Charlotte
A 23-year-old woman named Iryna Zarutska, who had recently fled the war in Ukraine, was fatally stabbed near Charlotte, North Carolina, according to reports from local sources. The incident occurred at the East/West Boulevard Station around 10:30 PM.
Authorities responded to the scene, where they found multiple stab wounds. Emergency personnel pronounced Zarutska dead on-site. The suspect, identified as 34-year-old DeCarlos Brown Jr., has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder. He is currently receiving treatment for life-threatening injuries and will face formal charges after his discharge.
Brown’s criminal background includes convictions for robbery and felony theft involving deadly weapons, dating back over a decade, as noted by local news outlets. It’s also reported that he has faced several charges, some of which have since been expunged.
In an unusual twist, there’s a pending claim against Brown for allegedly abusing the 911 system earlier this year.
As the investigation continues, the police have not disclosed the motives behind the attack and have not confirmed if it took place on the train or at the platform. Detective Buhr is leading the case, and authorities are reaching out to anyone with relevant information.
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support Zarutska’s family, highlighting her desire for safety and a fresh start upon arriving in the United States. Organizers described her untimely death as an “irreparable loss” for her loved ones.
As the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department’s murder unit diligently investigates, the community grapples with the shock of this tragic event.
