The unprovoked murder of a Ukrainian woman on Charlotte's light rail system late last month has sent shockwaves across the United States and the recent release of the attack on video has caused outrage nationwide. The suspect in the fatal stabbing of the Ukrainian woman is now facing federal charges that would make him eligible for the death penalty, the Justice Department has said.
The suspect identified as Decarlos Brown Jr., 34 was arrested on Aug. 22 after he fatally stabbed 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska. He was charged by the Attorney's Office in the Western District of North Carolina with committing an act causing death on a mass transportation system, which could make him eligible for the death penalty, the DOJ said on Tuesday.
ALSO READ: 'Mormon wives’ star Taylor Frankie Paul set to steal hearts as the new Bachelorette which fans didn't see coming
The train travels for "approximately four and half minutes before the suspect pulls a knife out of his pocket, unfolds the knife, pauses, then stands up, and strikes at the victim three times," according to an affidavit obtained by ABC News. Prior to the stabbing, there appeared to be "no interaction between the victim and defendant," the affidavit said. Zarutska was pronounced dead at the scene and a witness directed officials to the location of the suspect, the affidavit said.
Decarlos Brown was arrested after he was released from the hospital with "non-life-threatening injuries sustained at the time of the incident" and was charged with first-degree murder, according to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.
ALSO READ: D4vd breaks silence after woman's decomposed body found in his impounded Tesla in Los Angeles
Iryna Zarutska was born in Ukraine's Kyiv on May 22, 2002 to parents Anna Zarutska and Stanislav Zarutskyi. She graduated from Synergy College with a degree in art and restoration, using her talent to craft gifts and artworks for loved ones. Friends say she dreamed of working as a veterinary assistant, drawn by her love for animals.
In August 2022, when Russia launched an offensive against Ukraine, Iryna and her family—her mother, sister, and brother—resettled in the United States. She quickly embraced her new surroundings, learning English fluently and carving out a fresh start. At the time of her death, Iryna was working at Zepeddie’s Pizzeria, where she had become not just a valued employee but a beloved member of the team. The restaurant shared its grief publicly: “We lost not only an incredible employee, but a true friend,” the pizzeria wrote on Instagram. “Our dear Iryna left this world far too soon, and our hearts are heavy with grief… Iryna, we miss you more than words can say. You will forever be in our hearts.” A candle has remained lit in her honor at the restaurant, symbolizing “the warmth, kindness and light she brought to our lives every day.”
“Iryna will be remembered for her kindness, her creativity, and the lasting impression she left on everyone she met,” her obituary read. “Her absence leaves a deep void, but her spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved her.”
ALSO READ: Larry Ellison's net worth swells by staggering $70bn in fierce battle with Elon Musk: Who is he?
"No, I haven't heard. When did this happen?" Trump questioned the reporter. The reporter told him that the incident took place in August, and the chilling video had emerged now. Trump then promised to look into the incident by tomorrow morning.
Add Now!
The suspect identified as Decarlos Brown Jr., 34 was arrested on Aug. 22 after he fatally stabbed 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska. He was charged by the Attorney's Office in the Western District of North Carolina with committing an act causing death on a mass transportation system, which could make him eligible for the death penalty, the DOJ said on Tuesday.
ALSO READ: 'Mormon wives’ star Taylor Frankie Paul set to steal hearts as the new Bachelorette which fans didn't see coming
The girl stabbed on the train
Iryna Zarutska was fatally stabbed last month just before 10 p.m. while riding the Lynx Blue Line in Charlotte, according to an affidavit obtained by ABC News. As per the affidavit, Zarutska boarded the train and sat in an aisle seat directly in front of the suspect, Decarlos Brown Jr., who is seen in a window seat wearing an orange sweatshirt.The train travels for "approximately four and half minutes before the suspect pulls a knife out of his pocket, unfolds the knife, pauses, then stands up, and strikes at the victim three times," according to an affidavit obtained by ABC News. Prior to the stabbing, there appeared to be "no interaction between the victim and defendant," the affidavit said. Zarutska was pronounced dead at the scene and a witness directed officials to the location of the suspect, the affidavit said.
Decarlos Brown was arrested after he was released from the hospital with "non-life-threatening injuries sustained at the time of the incident" and was charged with first-degree murder, according to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.
ALSO READ: D4vd breaks silence after woman's decomposed body found in his impounded Tesla in Los Angeles
Who is Iryna Zarutska?
Iryna Zarutska escaped from war zone to find shelter but in a tragic incident, her young life ended on an ordinary train ride home from work in Charlotte. Th 23-year-old woman was remembered as a kind soul with a passion for animals and art. Police have termed the killing as 'random', as per a TOI report.Iryna Zarutska was born in Ukraine's Kyiv on May 22, 2002 to parents Anna Zarutska and Stanislav Zarutskyi. She graduated from Synergy College with a degree in art and restoration, using her talent to craft gifts and artworks for loved ones. Friends say she dreamed of working as a veterinary assistant, drawn by her love for animals.
In August 2022, when Russia launched an offensive against Ukraine, Iryna and her family—her mother, sister, and brother—resettled in the United States. She quickly embraced her new surroundings, learning English fluently and carving out a fresh start. At the time of her death, Iryna was working at Zepeddie’s Pizzeria, where she had become not just a valued employee but a beloved member of the team. The restaurant shared its grief publicly: “We lost not only an incredible employee, but a true friend,” the pizzeria wrote on Instagram. “Our dear Iryna left this world far too soon, and our hearts are heavy with grief… Iryna, we miss you more than words can say. You will forever be in our hearts.” A candle has remained lit in her honor at the restaurant, symbolizing “the warmth, kindness and light she brought to our lives every day.”
“Iryna will be remembered for her kindness, her creativity, and the lasting impression she left on everyone she met,” her obituary read. “Her absence leaves a deep void, but her spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved her.”
ALSO READ: Larry Ellison's net worth swells by staggering $70bn in fierce battle with Elon Musk: Who is he?
Trump responds to Iryna Zarutska's murder
US President Donald Trump condemned the stabbing of Iryna Zarutska. A reporter asked Trump, "Iryna Zarutska was stabbed multiple times on a Charlotte subway. Have you seen this video, and do you have a reaction to it?" Trump, who was unaware of the incident, asked where the incident took place. The reporter briefed him on the matter, to which Trump said, "Horrible.""No, I haven't heard. When did this happen?" Trump questioned the reporter. The reporter told him that the incident took place in August, and the chilling video had emerged now. Trump then promised to look into the incident by tomorrow morning.
Add 
as a Reliable and Trusted News Source
as a Reliable and Trusted News Source Add Now!
