CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee who fled her war-torn homeland for safety in the United States died in a stabbing at a light rail station in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Friday night.
Who was the victim?
Police identified the victim as Iryna Zarutska, who had recently relocated from Ukraine in hopes of starting a new life away from the ongoing war. Loved ones said she was “hoping for a new beginning” and called her death “an irreparable loss” in a GoFundMe launched to support her family.
What happened?
Officers reported that Zarutska suffered multiple stab wounds around 9:55 p.m. at the East/West Boulevard light rail station in Charlotte’s South End. Emergency responders pronounced her dead at the scene.
The suspect
Police arrested Decarlos Brown Jr., 34, and charged him with first-degree murder. Brown, who is homeless, received treatment for non-life-threatening injuries before being taken into custody.
Furthermore, court records show that Brown has a long criminal history. His previous charges include robbery with a dangerous weapon, felony larceny, and communicating threats. He also served five years in prison for armed robbery and still faces pending charges from earlier this year for misusing the 911 system.
In addition, a January police affidavit revealed Brown’s troubling state of mind. During a welfare check, he claimed that someone had placed a “man-made” material inside his body that controlled when he ate, walked, and talked.
Community shaken
The sudden and random attack left many Charlotte residents unsettled. Commuters who use the light rail system daily described the murder as frightening. “Just the fact that it could happen is very daunting. Scary,” one passenger said.
Investigation continues
At this time, police have not released a motive for the killing. The investigation remains ongoing.
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