Body Camera Footage of Charlotte Light Rail Murder Suspect
Recently released body camera footage reveals DeCarlos Brown Jr., the suspect in a Charlotte Light Rail murder, claiming that an “artificial substance” controlled him months prior to the alleged stabbing of Irina Zalutka.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department shared the footage showing officers responding to a welfare check on Brown in January. During this incident, Brown had called 911, expressing concerns that this “artificial substance” had been inserted into his body and was influencing his actions.
When an officer questioned him, asking if he believed someone was controlling him, Brown elaborated, saying the substance was introduced without his “permission or authorization” and that it impacted various bodily functions, even his eating habits.
Interestingly, Brown insisted that medics needed to investigate what was affecting him, adding, “The fact that the medics haven’t had any tests or scans to find out what my body was exposed to is what I want you to look into.” He shared that he “woke up on the ground” and felt something strange had happened to him.
This episode occurred several months before the violent and unprovoked stabbing of 23-year-old Zalutka on the Lynx Blue Line light rail train in August. Family members of Brown have indicated that the tragedy may have been avoidable.
Throughout the almost 30-minute encounter, officers encouraged Brown to seek medical attention. However, while they were still present, he called 911 again for help. As a result, he was charged with misusing the 911 system.
Brown mentioned that doctors had previously attempted to diagnose him with schizophrenia but believed they’d made a mistake. “Mentally I’m perfect,” he stated confidently.
Despite his comments, the CMPD stated they did not pursue involuntary evaluation since Brown showed no verbal indication of intending to harm himself or others.
Additonally, Brown’s criminal history includes multiple convictions for theft, trespassing, and armed robbery; he had been sentenced to five years in prison back in 2015.
