Video Shows Suspected Killer of Ukrainian Refugee
A chilling video captures the moment when DeCarlos Brown, the suspected killer of Ukrainian refugee Irina Zalutka, disembarks from a train in North Carolina and strolls along the platform.
Surveillance footage obtained by the Post reveals Brown moving casually on a Charlotte platform just minutes after a 23-year-old victim was repeatedly stabbed on a crowded commuter train on August 22. Panic ensued as passengers screamed for help and fled the Lynx Blue Line.
Brown, described as a homeless man with schizophrenia and a lengthy criminal history, was spotted clutching a red hoodie. This was the same hoodie he allegedly wore during the attack, where he reportedly stabbed Zalutka three times with a pocket knife, including a severe wound to the neck.
Other footage showed the 34-year-old, who has 13 previous convictions and was released on bail awaiting trial, leaving one residence, crossing the street, and entering another. There, he seemed to smoke a cigarette and mutter to himself in a strange manner.
As he fumbled with his sweatshirt, four armed officers quickly approached, tackling him to the ground at the scene. Meanwhile, the train, where the attack occurred, remained stationed at the platform.
Brown was promptly handcuffed while officers conducted a search of the platform and his hoodie, as well as a nearby trash can.
Zalutka had moved to the United States in 2022, seeking a safer life after fleeing the Russian invasion of Ukraine, but tragically was found dead on the light rail.
Previously released footage from inside the train depicted the victim crouching in terror, hands on his face, looking up at his attacker in horror after being stabbed. Blood spattered on his pants, and moments later, he collapsed to the floor as his assailant moved through the train car, leaving a trail of blood behind.
Terrified witnesses immediately called 911, providing descriptions of the suspect while Zalutka lay bleeding and unconscious.
Currently, Brown is facing both federal and state charges, with the possibility of the death penalty if convicted.
