A 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee, Iryna Zarutska, was fatally stabbed on a Charlotte Lynx Blue Line train on August 22. Zarutska had boarded the train at 9:46 p.m. after finishing work at a local pizzeria. Surveillance footage shows her sitting quietly and using her phone before the attack.
Who Is Decarlos Brown Jr?
Police identified 34-year-old Decarlos Brown Jr, a homeless man with a prior criminal record, as the suspect. Authorities said he attacked Zarutska with a folding knife approximately four minutes after she boarded the train. She was stabbed three times, including a fatal wound to the neck, and was pronounced dead on the train, according to New York Post.
Why is the disgusting, senseless, unprovoked murder of 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska by a man named Decarlos Brown Jr. on a train in Charlotte NC not getting more media attention?! pic.twitter.com/9UDPxguWhN
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) September 7, 2025
Brown exited the train at the next stop. A folding knife was recovered at the scene. He was treated for a hand injury at a hospital before being taken into custody and charged with first-degree murder.
Criminal History of Brown
Court records show Decarlos Brown Jr has a criminal record dating back to 2011, including robbery with a dangerous weapon and other offenses. Earlier this year, he was arrested for misusing 911.
Motive Under Investigation
The attack occurred despite transit security guards being present in another train car. Police arrived within six minutes, according to Spectrum News.
CATS officials said they have hired a chief safety and security officer, increased the safety budget, and upgraded surveillance cameras. The Charlotte City Council will discuss additional police patrols on trains and buses on September 22.
Support for Zarutska’s Family
Zarutska had come to the United States seeking safety and a fresh start. Her family has launched a GoFundMe campaign, raising over $38,000 to support them during this difficult time.
Police continue to investigate the motive behind the attack.
