A US federal judge has ruled that Decarlos Brown Jr, the man accused of fatally stabbing 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska on a Charlotte light rail train in August, is currently incompetent to stand trial. The US attorney's office for the western district of North Carolina announced the decision on Tuesday, stating that Brown will remain in federal custody while receiving treatment.
During a competency hearing in federal court, the judge found Brown incompetent to proceed but expressed optimism that his competency could be restored. 'The judge found Mr Brown's prognosis to become competent is good and ordered that Mr Brown be given treatment,' the US attorney's office said in a statement. Brown will be hospitalised for up to four months for evaluation and treatment, with a follow-up hearing to assess his fitness for trial upon release.
Brown faces a federal charge of committing an act causing death on a mass transportation system, which carries a potential sentence of life imprisonment or the death penalty. He also faces a state charge of first-degree murder. The competency ruling pertains solely to Brown's ability to understand the proceedings and assist in his own defence, and does not relate to the facts of the case.
US Attorney Russ Ferguson emphasised the pursuit of justice for Zarutska, stating: 'This case weighs on our hearts every day, and our chief concern is obtaining justice for Iryna Zarutska and her family.' He added that the ruling is 'a step in the process to ensure we have a solid case that can withstand appeal.'
Brown has a documented history of mental health issues and prior arrests. His attorneys have argued that he suffers from serious mental illness and impairments, making him incapable of proceeding. In a letter submitted to the court, Brown claimed he was being controlled by others and misdiagnosed with schizophrenia.
