Family of Stabbing Victim Speaks Out
The family of Irina Zaltoska, who was tragically stabbed, shared that she had texted her boyfriend on the night she died, letting him know she was heading home.
During an emotional statement on August 22, they expressed their heartache not just towards the accused, DeCarlos Brown Jr., but also held the judicial system accountable for the incident that occurred on the train at the southern tip of Charlotte.
It’s noted that Brown has a lengthy criminal record, and a woman believed to be his sister mentioned that he has never received adequate mental health support.
This could have happened to anyone using the light rail that night.
Speaking through their attorney, the Zaltoska family chose to address the shocking event publicly on Tuesday. “We are devastated beyond words. Irina came here seeking safety, and instead, her life was taken in a terrifying manner,” they said. “No family should have to endure this.”
“This could have been anyone on that light rail that night,” echoed another family member. They emphasized their commitment to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Beyond reflecting on the tragic event, the family also expressed concern about how they came to learn of Irina’s death. The night she was killed, Irina had sent a text saying she would be home soon. When she didn’t arrive at the expected time, her family grew worried.
They checked her phone’s location and rushed to the station, only to be “devastated” upon finding out that Irina had died at the scene.
Now, they are calling for changes to the operational methods of the Charlotte Railway System, citing what they believe are shortcomings that contributed to Zaltoska’s death. Their concerns include a lack of visible and effective security, poor monitoring of security contracts, and insufficient safety measures that might have prevented this tragedy.
The family is advocating for a thorough investigation into these failures and hopes that by spreading awareness about the circumstances surrounding Irina’s killing, the community and media will respond with understanding and compassion.
