Ukrainian Refugee Killed in Charlotte Train Attack
Iryna Zarutska, 23, fled Ukraine’s war seeking safety in the U.S. but was fatally stabbed in Charlotte. Outrage grows over why her attacker, a repeat offender, was free.
What was supposed to be a fresh start in America ended in tragedy for 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska. On August 22, 2025, she was brutally attacked at the East/West Boulevard light rail station in Charlotte’s South End. The shocking incident has reignited debate over public safety and judicial leniency toward repeat offenders in the U.S.
Details of the attack
According to police, 34-year-old Decarlos Brown Jr. approached Zarutska without any prior interaction and stabbed her three times, including in the throat. Surveillance footage confirmed the sudden and unprovoked nature of the attack. Zarutska died on the spot.
Criminal record of the suspect sparks backlash
Brown’s criminal history dates back to 2007, including felony larceny, armed robbery, and assault. Yet many of his charges had been dropped over the years. Most recently, in January 2025, he was arrested for misusing the 911 system but released without bail, fueling criticism of the justice system’s failure to keep dangerous offenders behind bars.
Family’s grief
Zarutska’s devastated family described her as a young woman “hoping for a new beginning.” A GoFundMe campaign raised more than $12,000 in her memory. Her uncle, speaking in court, called her a “sweet angel” and urged the judge to keep Brown jailed as a “menace to the community.” The judge denied bail, citing the “heinous” nature of the crime.
Transit safety debate intensifies
The murder has also sparked outrage over security on Charlotte’s transit system. City council member Dimple Ajmera demanded swift action to restore public confidence, while critics argue that both inadequate safety measures and judicial leniency paved the way for the tragedy.
