Surveillance footage has captured the final moments of a Ukrainian refugee who was fatally stabbed on a light rail train in North Carolina. Iryna Zarutska, 23, had recently arrived in the United States seeking safety from the war in Ukraine, according to a GoFundMe campaign set up to support her family.
The Charlotte Area Transit System released video showing Zarutska boarding the Lynx Blue Line at the East/West Boulevard station just after 9:45 p.m. on August 22. Wearing her pizzeria uniform, she was seen scrolling on her phone while a man in a red hoodie sat in front of her. Police said the suspect pulled a knife from his pocket, unfolded it, paused, then stood up and struck the victim three times.
After the stabbing, the suspect moved through the carriage past passengers who appeared unaware of the attack, before pausing by the door to exit. Bystanders later rushed to Zarutska's aid, but she was pronounced dead at the scene. The suspect got off at the next stop, and a folding knife was recovered near the platform.
Decarlos Brown Jr, 34, who is homeless, was arrested on August 28 and charged with first-degree murder. He is being held without bond and has been ordered to undergo a competency evaluation. Brown has an extensive criminal record, including robbery and larceny convictions, and has been diagnosed with schizophrenia, according to reports.
Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles condemned the “senseless and tragic” attack. A family friend said in the GoFundMe appeal, which had raised nearly $75,000, that Zarutska had sought “new beginnings” in the US. GoFundMe removed several appeals seeking funds for Brown’s legal defence, citing its policy against fundraising for those charged with violent crimes.
