On Monday, North Carolina Governor Josh Stein expressed his deep dismay over the unprovoked murder of Ukrainian woman Iryna Zarutska, which occurred on Charlotte's light rail system late last month. The release of the video footage depicting the horrific attack has ignited outrage across the nation. "I am heartbroken for the family of Iryna Zarutska, who lost their loved one to this senseless act of violence. We need more cops on the beat to keep people safe," Stein stated in his official remarks.
Iryna Zarutska, just 23 years old, was tragically fatally stabbed on August 22, shortly before 10 p.m., while riding the Lynx Blue Line in Charlotte. According to an affidavit obtained by ABC News, Zarutska boarded the train and took her seat in the aisle directly in front of the suspect, 34-year-old Decarlos Brown Jr., who was seated by the window wearing an orange sweatshirt.
The train traveled for approximately four and a half minutes before the suspect produced a knife from his pocket. He unfolded the knife, paused briefly, then stood up and struck Zarutska three times. The affidavit noted that there was no apparent interaction between the victim and the defendant prior to the stabbing.
Zarutska was pronounced dead at the scene, and a witness helped authorities locate the suspect. Brown was arrested shortly after being released from the hospital, where he received treatment for non-life-threatening injuries sustained during the incident. He has been charged with first-degree murder, as confirmed by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. Brown's next court appearance is scheduled for September 19, though it remains unclear if he has legal representation.
Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles described the murder as a "senseless and tragic loss" and expressed her condolences to Zarutska's family during this unimaginably difficult time. "Like so many of you, I'm heartbroken — and I've been thinking hard about what safety really looks like in our city. I remain committed to doing all we can do to protect our residents and ensure Charlotte is a place where everyone feels safe," Lyles said in her statement on Saturday.
The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) confirmed to ABC News that there was no security personnel present on the train at the time of the attack. A spokesperson explained that while a security team patrols the system, they are not stationed in one specific area and were riding on a train directly in front of where the stabbing occurred.
Zarutska's obituary reveals that she was born in Ukraine and immigrated to the United States with her mother, sister, and brother to escape the war. She quickly adapted to her new life in America and was known as a gifted and passionate artist. Those who knew her remember her kindness, creativity, and the lasting impact she made on everyone she encountered.
In light of the incident, former President Donald Trump remarked that he had seen the disturbing video and extended his love and hopes to Zarutska's family when questioned about the situation on Monday.
This tragic event has raised significant questions regarding public safety and the need for enhanced security on public transportation systems, as communities across the nation grapple with the implications of such violent acts.
