Federal Prosecutors Seek Death Penalty for Murderer of Ukrainian Refugee

On Thursday, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that federal prosecutors aim to pursue the death penalty for DeCarlos Brown Jr., the man accused of killing Ukrainian refugee Irina Zartka in North Carolina, if he is convicted.

Brown, who is homeless and has an extensive criminal background coupled with mental health issues, has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of murder related to the stabbing that occurred on a Charlotte train in August. In a segment on Fox News’ “Jesse Watters Prime Time,” Bondi emphasized that Brown had been arrested multiple times prior to the incident.

“Yesterday, a North Carolina grand jury returned an indictment against DeCarlos Brown, Jr., who brutally murdered Irina Zalutka on a Charlotte light rail train,” Bondi tweeted. “He was walking free thanks to crime control policies. Our prosecutors will not rest until we get justice for Irina.”

Bondi stated, “In that case, I’m going to sign a warrant for the death penalty. As you know, Jesse, he has been arrested 14 times and should have been in prison when he murdered that beautiful, innocent young woman.”

Brown’s attorney, Joshua Kendrick, who was appointed for his experience in capital cases, did not respond to requests for comments. He has been representing Brown since September 25, following court documents.

Surveillance footage reportedly captures Brown approaching Zaluzka from behind on the train and stabbing him three times. Unfortunately, Zaluzka succumbed to his injuries while bystanders attempted to help.

After the attack, Brown allegedly exclaimed, “I got that white girl,” as seen in the footage.

Some critics have pointed fingers at crime control policies that, they argue, allowed Brown to remain at large, contributing to Zaluzka’s death. Brown had been previously charged with misusing the 911 system, claiming he was under the influence of drugs, and he was released earlier this year with a written promise to appear. His mental health history includes a diagnosis of schizophrenia.

In addition to federal charges, Brown is also facing state-level capital charges for Zaluzka’s murder; however, local prosecutors have not confirmed if they will pursue those charges.