The court hearing for the man accused of fatally stabbing a Ukrainian woman on a train in Charlotte, North Carolina, has been rescheduled for next year.
DeCarlos Brown Jr. is charged with the brutal killing of Irina Zalutka, who was attacked while seated on the train in August, as reported by WBTV.
A Rule 24 hearing was initially set for Thursday, October 16, intended for the state to decide whether to pursue the death penalty against Brown.
However, court documents reveal that this hearing has now been postponed to April 2026. The decision for the delay was made by Brown and his attorney, Daniel Roberts, but the exact reason has been redacted.
The delay has drawn ire from some officials. Rep. Mark Harris (R-North Carolina) expressed his dissatisfaction on social media, questioning why the hearing has been pushed to next year and implying that it reflects poorly on the judicial system’s response to Zalutka’s suffering.
Congressman Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.) called the postponement “unbelievable,” arguing that it showcases a pro-crime stance by Democrats and suggesting that the public should not forget what happened to Zalutka.
It’s worth noting that Harris and other members of North Carolina’s Republican delegation have recently advocated for the removal of Judge Theresa Stokes, who had previously released Brown prior to the incident.
Brown, facing first-degree murder charges, allegedly stabbed Zalutka multiple times in the throat and then walked away, leaving blood at the scene.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi subsequently mandated her team to pursue federal charges against Brown, given his extensive criminal background.
Bondi stated that Zalutka’s tragic murder was ultimately a consequence of lenient policies that favor criminals over victims, emphasizing the need for severe consequences for Brown’s actions.
President Donald Trump has since called for the death penalty for Brown, insisting that justice should be swift and firm for the violent crime committed against Zalutka.
