Iryna Zarutska Obituary,Death – Police in North Carolina are investigating the fatal stabbing of 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska, a Ukrainian refugee who was killed last month while riding a Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) train. Zarutska, who had recently arrived in the United States seeking safety from the war in Ukraine, was identified as the victim by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.
Authorities said the stabbing happened on August 22 in the 1800 block of Camden Road. Officers responded to a report of an assault with a deadly weapon on the LYNX Blue Line train near a light rail station. When they arrived, they found Zarutska with multiple knife wounds. Despite emergency efforts, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police have named 34-year-old Decarlos Brown Jr. as the suspect in the case. According to officials, Brown also sustained injuries during the incident, though they were not life-threatening. He is currently being treated in a local hospital and will face first-degree murder charges once released.
Surveillance footage obtained by WBTV shows a woman matching Zarutska’s description boarding a crowded train and sitting in front of a man believed to be Brown. After a few moments, the footage reportedly depicts the man pulling out a pocketknife and stabbing her without any visible exchange or confrontation beforehand.
The case has sparked grief and outrage, drawing responses from both local leaders and national figures. Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles described the killing as “a senseless and tragic loss,” emphasizing the city’s responsibility to ensure public safety. “My prayers remain with her loved ones as they grieve through an unimaginable time,” she said in a statement. “We must remain committed to protecting our residents and making Charlotte a place where everyone feels safe.”
A GoFundMe launched by Zarutska’s family revealed she had fled Ukraine in search of refuge and a fresh start in the United States. The fundraiser is helping her relatives cover funeral costs and related expenses.
Nationally, the killing caught the attention of former President Donald Trump, who condemned the stabbing while speaking at a Religious Liberty Commission hearing in Washington, D.C. He described the incident as “vicious” and “horrible,” warning about the presence of “evil people” in society. “If we don’t handle that, we don’t have a country,” Trump said.
The tragedy has also become a political talking point. Some conservative commentators accused the mainstream media of downplaying the story. White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller issued sharp criticism of Democrats, claiming the party prioritizes protecting criminals over public safety. Meanwhile, billionaire Elon Musk also weighed in, calling for legal reforms and urging the public to hold judges and district attorneys accountable.
As the investigation continues, Zarutska’s death has underscored both public safety concerns in Charlotte and the vulnerability of individuals who arrive in the U.S. in search of peace but face unforeseen dangers.
