Fateful Encounter Leads to Stabbing Involving a Ukrainian Refugee and a Man from Charlotte with a Criminal Background

Convergence of a Ukrainian refugee and a Charlotte man with a criminal background, leading to a fatal stabbing incident

In the quiet night of Charlotte, North Carolina, a shocking incident unfolded on a Blue Line train. Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old refugee from Ukraine, lost her life in a senseless act of violence.

Zarutska, who was attending Rowan-Cabarrus Community College and harboured dreams of becoming a veterinary assistant, was sitting in an empty row, engrossed in her studies. Unbeknownst to her, the passenger behind her, Decarlos Brown, was about to alter the course of her life forever.

Brown, a man with a lengthy criminal history, had been released from prison just months before. His record included convictions for armed robbery, larceny, breaking and entering, and he had served more than five years in prison for robbery with a dangerous weapon. In addition, Brown struggled with mental health issues, including schizophrenia, hallucinations, and paranoia.

On the fateful day, Brown's mother dropped him off at a shelter on Statesville Avenue, a few miles away from the Scaleybark station where the train incident occurred. In the days leading up to the attack, Brown had been housed in a homeless shelter in Charlotte.

As the train moved, Brown approached Zarutska. In a chilling act, he fatally stabbed Zarutska, who clutched her face and throat before slouching to the ground. Witnesses on the train attempted to help, but it was too late. Zarutska died from her injuries on the train.

In the aftermath of the tragedy, it was revealed that Brown had a history of violent behaviour. His own sister had dropped charges against him after he attacked her in 2022, out of concern for his mental health issues. Brown's release was conditioned on a written promise he would appear for his next hearing.

The White House condemned Brown's actions, stating that his release had left him "free to slaughter an innocent woman." Brown's sister believes he suffered a disastrous mental break the night he committed the stabbing.

Iryna Zarutska, a young woman who had left Ukraine six months after Russia's invasion to escape the war, found a home in North Carolina. She was a homebody who was happiest when surrounded by family and loved ones. Zarutska had a degree in art and restoration from Synergy College in Kyiv. Her dreams were cut short in the most tragic of circumstances.

This senseless act of violence has left the community in shock. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and Brown has been charged with first-degree murder. Our thoughts are with Iryna Zarutska's family and friends during this difficult time.