Ukrainian Refugee Killed on Charlotte Train Stuns City

A tragic incident shook the city of Charlotte recently when 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee, Iryna Zarutska, was fatally stabbed on a late-night Blue Line train. The young woman, who had escaped the violence of war in Ukraine, had come to the United States seeking safety and a new life. Her death has raised questions about crime, mental health, and the criminal justice system.

The Fatal Attack

Zarutska boarded the Blue Line train at Scaleybark station, just a few miles outside downtown Charlotte. She wore khaki pants and a dark shirt, with her long blonde hair tucked under a hat from Zepeddie’s Pizzeria, where she worked. Like other passengers, she kept her head down, absorbed in her phone, and chose an empty row to sit. She sat in front of a man wearing a red sweatshirt, unaware of the danger ahead.

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Only four minutes later, the man behind her, identified as 34-year-old Decarlos Brown, reached into his clothing and pulled out a knife. For a moment, he looked out the window, giving the impression that nothing else would happen. But in a sudden movement, he swung his arm over the seat and stabbed Zarutska in the face and neck. She slouched to the ground, clinging to her injuries.

Despite the efforts of nearby passengers to help, Zarutska died on the train. Brown was later arrested and charged with first-degree murder.

The National Debate

The attack drew national attention after video footage of the stabbing was released. Conservative leaders and the Trump administration cited the incident as an example of violent crime in cities led by Democratic politicians. The administration has used the event to support federal deployments of troops in cities like Los Angeles and Washington, DC, and threats to send the National Guard to Chicago.

“North Carolina, and every state, needs law and order, and only Republicans will deliver it!” Trump said on his social media platform, calling Brown a “career criminal.”

Charlotte’s Mayor Vi Lyles, along with Brown’s family, highlighted that the tragedy was partly the result of systemic failures. Brown had a long criminal record and suffered from serious mental health issues, which went inadequately addressed.

Iryna Zarutska’s Life

Zarutska was more than a victim of a senseless crime. She was an artist with a degree in art and restoration from Synergy College in Kyiv. Her family described her as a homebody who found happiness in being surrounded by loved ones.

Her mother often spoke of Zarutska’s “artist’s gift,” a talent for sleeping deeply, which she described with affection. Zarutska had fled Ukraine in August 2022 with her mother, sister, and brother, six months after Russia’s invasion forced them to leave their home.

In North Carolina, Zarutska embraced life. She enrolled at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, worked at a local pizzeria, and dreamed of becoming a veterinary assistant. Family and neighbors remembered her walking pets through her neighborhood, always with a bright and friendly smile.

Life in Charlotte

Zarutska lived in the lower South End of Charlotte, a lively area filled with breweries, coffee shops, and apartment complexes. The neighborhood had grown significantly since the light rail system began operating in 2007. The young woman was gradually learning to drive and gaining independence, though she often used the train to get around.

Her friends and family said she had survived the horrors of daily bombings in Ukraine and the uncertainty of whether she would live to see another day. Now, in Charlotte, she hoped for safety, stability, and a new beginning. Tragically, that hope was cut short.

Decarlos Brown’s Background

Decarlos Brown, 34, had a long history of legal and mental health problems. He had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and suffered from hallucinations and paranoia. Brown had previously spent over five years in prison for robbery with a dangerous weapon. When he was released in 2020, his family noticed significant changes in his behavior.

Brown’s sister, Tracey Brown, recalled that he struggled with simple conversations, could not hold a steady job, and sometimes became aggressive. In 2022, he had attacked her physically, but she dropped the charges out of concern for his mental health.

His mother, Michelle Dewitt, said that Brown was homeless and living in a local shelter. On the morning of the attack, she had dropped him off at a shelter, hugging him and telling him she loved him. Later, she could not believe that her son had been involved in the fatal stabbing.

Mental Health Struggles

Brown’s family said he suffered from severe mental health challenges. He often believed the government had implanted a chip in him that controlled his actions. In early 2025, he asked authorities to investigate “man-made” materials controlling when he ate, walked, and spoke. Officers determined these issues were medical, but could not intervene further.

Brown’s release from custody before the attack was reportedly conditional on appearing at a future hearing. His family believes he suffered a severe mental breakdown on the night of the stabbing. In a statement to his sister, Brown claimed he attacked Zarutska because he thought she was reading his mind.

A Community in Mourning

The death of Zarutska left Charlotte residents shocked and saddened. Friends and family described her as warm, caring, and always ready to help others. Lonnie, a family friend, said, “It’s very, very sickening and sad that we have such evil in our society today.”

The incident sparked discussions about mental health support, criminal justice policies, and the safety of public transportation. Zarutska’s tragic story serves as a reminder of the challenges that refugees face even in their new homes and the urgent need for better systems to address mental health and crime prevention.

Iryna Zarutska’s life was tragically cut short just as she had started to build a new life in Charlotte after fleeing war in Ukraine. Her death, caused by a man struggling with mental illness and a history of crime, has sparked national debates and local grief. While her family and community mourn, her story highlights the importance of mental health support, justice system reform, and community safety. Zarutska’s dream of a peaceful, productive life ended too soon, leaving a lasting impact on those who knew her and the city she hoped to call home.