Charlotte, NC, August 26, 2025
News Summary
Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee, was fatally stabbed on the Lynx Blue Line light rail in Charlotte, raising safety concerns among residents. Decarlos Brown, Jr., the suspect, faces first-degree murder charges. The incident has prompted city officials to call for immediate safety enhancements on the transit system to prevent further violence and ensure public safety.
Charlotte
Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian woman, was fatally stabbed on the Lynx Blue Line light rail in Charlotte, North Carolina late Friday night, August 22. The tragic incident occurred shortly before 10 p.m. at the East/West Boulevard station on Camden Road, prompting widespread concern regarding safety on the public transit system.
Zarutska, who had recently fled the war in Ukraine in search of a new beginning in the United States, was pronounced dead at the scene as a result of multiple stab wounds. Her family has set up a GoFundMe campaign to help with funeral expenses, highlighting their devastating loss and the circumstances that led Iryna to seek refuge in America.
According to reports, Decarlos Brown, Jr., a 34-year-old man, has been arrested and is set to face first-degree murder charges following his release from the hospital after being injured during the stabbing. Brown’s criminal history includes multiple arrests for felony larceny, robbery with a deadly weapon, and recent misuse of the 911 emergency system. He had previously received a five-year sentence for robbery with a deadly weapon.
As investigators work to piece together the circumstances surrounding the altercation, authorities have not yet disclosed any motive for the attack. There are ongoing investigations by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department to determine whether the stabbing occurred in the train, on the platform, or nearby.
The incident has raised significant concerns among local residents regarding public safety on the light rail, especially following other recent violent occurrences in the area. In response, members of the Charlotte City Council are calling for immediate measures to enhance safety on the transit system. Councilman Edwin Peacock emphasized the importance of transparency and the urgent need for improvements to regain public trust in the transit service.
Community members are increasingly worried about their safety while using public transportation. The stabbing of Zarutska marks another incident highlighting the pressing need for emergency measures and stronger preventive strategies to safeguard passengers on the city’s light rail network.
Background of the Incident
Iryna Zarutska’s arrival in the United States came amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where many individuals have sought asylum and refuge from war-related turmoil. Tragically, Zarutska’s pursuit of a safer life has ended in violence, prompting discussions about the vulnerability of refugees and the broader public on public transport systems.
Charlotte’s light rail, a key transportation network for many residents, is facing scrutiny and pressure to implement effective safety protocols in light of Zarutska’s death and the rising number of violent incidents. City Council members are prioritizing safety enhancements to protect individuals on the transit system and prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
FAQ
What happened to Iryna Zarutska?
Iryna Zarutska was stabbed to death on the Lynx Blue Line light rail in Charlotte, North Carolina, shortly before 10 p.m. on August 22. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Who is the suspect in the stabbing?
The suspect, Decarlos Brown, Jr., a 34-year-old man, has been arrested and will be charged with first-degree murder. He was injured during the incident and has a lengthy criminal history.
What steps are being taken for public safety?
Local City Council members are calling for immediate actions to improve safety on the light rail system, emphasizing the need for transparency and urgent enhancements to regain public trust.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Victim | Iryna Zarutska, 23, Ukrainian refugee |
| Incident Date | August 22, 10 p.m. |
| Location | East/West Boulevard station, Charlotte, NC |
| Suspect | Decarlos Brown, Jr., 34 |
| Charges Against Suspect | First-degree murder |
| Public Response | Calls for increased safety measures on light rail |
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Author: HERE Charlotte
The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
