Man Charged in Fatal Stabbing of Ukrainian Refugee on NC Train

A man has been charged with a federal crime in connection with the fatal stabbing of a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee aboard a Charlotte Area Transit System train in North Carolina last month. Video footage provided by CATS captured the incident.

Decarlos Dejuan Brown Jr., 34, is now facing one count of causing death on a mass transportation system, as confirmed by the Justice Department.

The victim, Iryna Zarutska, had recently relocated to the United States from Ukraine to escape the war with Russia, according to her family.

Upon receiving her work permit, she quickly secured jobs at a senior center and a local pizza place, while also caring for community pets, reported James Barnacle, a deputy assistant director at the FBI.

Her family’s attorney, Lauren O. Newton, described Zarutska as kind and hardworking, emphasizing that she was loved by both family and friends.

“Iryna came here to find peace and safety, and instead, her life was stolen from her in the most horrific way,” said a family spokesperson.

“Iryna Zarutska was living the American dream. Her tragic murder reflects failed soft-on-crime policies that prioritize criminals over innocent lives,” added Attorney General Pam Bondi.

Brown has a criminal history that stretches over a decade, including previous felony charges for breaking and entering, and robbery with a weapon, for which he served five years in prison.

“I have directed my attorneys to pursue federal charges against DeCarlos Brown Jr., a repeat violent offender, for murder,” Bondi continued. “We will seek the maximum penalty for this unforgivable act of violence.”

In a complaint filed in U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina, the FBI detailed that Zarutska boarded the LYNX Blue Line train at 9:46 p.m. and took a seat in front of Brown.

“At approximately 21:50 hours, Brown pulled a knife from his pocket and unfolded it before stabbing the victim three times from behind,” noted the complaint. “After the attack, blood was seen dripping on the floor as Brown walked away.”

Zarutska’s family became alarmed when she didn’t arrive at her partner’s place, despite having texted that she was en route.

“Her phone’s location showed she was still at the station,” the statement said. “Upon reaching the station, they were devastated to find out that Iryna had died at the scene.”

Police found her in the rear car of the train near a large pool of blood, with a single stab wound in her neck. Investigators also discovered a pocketknife and a shirt soaked in suspected blood at the scene. Brown was arrested on the outbound platform of the LYNX Blue Line where the incident occurred and was initially charged with first-degree murder.

“The brutal attack on Iryna Zarutska on the Charlotte Light Rail was an appalling act that should never occur in America,” stated FBI Director Kash Patel. “The FBI acted swiftly to assist in this investigation to ensure that justice is served.”

Brown remains in state custody, with U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson indicating that additional federal charges may follow.

If convicted, Brown could face life imprisonment without the possibility of parole or even the death penalty, according to the Justice Department.