Tragic Incident Involving Ukrainian Refugee in Charlotte

Newly released video captures the heartbreaking moments after the murder of a Ukrainian refugee, Iryna Zarutska, in Charlotte, North Carolina. Bystanders rallied to assist her as she lay bleeding on the floor of a public train.

On the night of August 22, passengers attempted to tend to Zarutska’s wounds after she was brutally stabbed, with expanded footage being made public on Tuesday. The suspect, identified as DeCarlos Brown, is a homeless individual with a history of mental illness and prior convictions. He now faces both local and federal charges, as announced by the Department of Justice.

A lawyer from the U.S. Attorney’s Office indicated that Zarutska’s family intends to bury her in the U.S., citing her love for America.

In the chilling video, Brown is seen for several minutes before suddenly rising from his seat behind Zarutska. He then stabs her three times, leaving her in shock as blood began to flow. Eyewitnesses recalled a disturbing scene, with Zarutska falling unconscious afterward while a man was heard saying, “I got that white girl.” One of her stab wounds was located on her throat, according to police reports. Brown was eventually apprehended on the light rail platform.

As blood pooled on the train floor, passengers rushed to help. One young man attempted to lift her as others tried to stem the bleeding, using their shirts. Much panic ensued, with people exclaiming, “Oh, my God,” as they rushed to assist.

Zarutska had moved to the U.S. from Ukraine in 2022 to flee the Russian invasion. Her family has chosen to lay her to rest in America, as she held a deep affection for her new home.

Brown, with at least 14 previous arrests, has a history of violent behavior, according to his mother. The Department of Justice mentioned the possibility of civil rights charges for the murder, stressing their commitment to pursuing the harshest penalties. Attorney General Pam Bondy stated that Brown will face severe consequences for his actions.