Tragic Stabbing Incident on Lynx Blue Line in Charlotte

Charlotte, NC, August 27, 2025

News Summary

A tragic stabbing on the Lynx Blue Line light rail has left 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska dead at the East/West Boulevard station. The suspect, Decarlos Brown Jr., was apprehended at the scene. Community leaders are calling for improved security measures following the incident, which has raised concerns about safety on public transport. A GoFundMe campaign has already raised over $12,000 for Zarutska’s family as they cope with this horrific loss.

Charlotte, N.C. – A tragic incident occurred on the Lynx Blue Line light rail late on August 22, when 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska was stabbed to death at the East/West Boulevard station. Zarutska, who had recently relocated from war-torn Ukraine, had been seeking a fresh start in Charlotte, as highlighted by a GoFundMe campaign established to assist her family in coping with their loss.

The stabbing took place shortly before 10 p.m., with police reporting that Zarutska suffered fatal knife wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene. The suspect, identified as Decarlos Brown Jr., a 34-year-old man, was apprehended at the scene, and he will face first-degree murder charges once he is released from the hospital following treatment for injuries sustained during the altercation.

According to police reports, Zarutska and Brown did not know each other, and the motive behind the attack remains unclear. Witnesses who were nearby during the incident described it as “horrific,” with one individual expressing the emotional trauma they experienced after witnessing the events unfold.

This violent act has drawn significant attention to public safety on the light rail, especially given that security personnel were reportedly absent on the train at the time of the incident. The event has prompted immediate calls from several Charlotte City Council members for enhanced safety measures within the transit system, highlighting a growing unease among regular riders regarding personal safety.

Community reactions have further emphasized the need for improved security protocols and additional security personnel. Mayor Vi Lyles has stressed the importance of implementing better mental health resources and enhancing security measures within the transit system to ensure the safety of commuters moving forward.

Brown, the suspect, has a concerning history with law enforcement, having previous interactions with police that involved various criminal activities and instances of apparent mental health crises. His extensive criminal record includes past charges related to felony larceny and armed robbery. Additionally, he was arrested in January 2025 for misusing the 911 system by making bizarre claims about his health.

In light of Zarutska’s death, the fundraising efforts through GoFundMe have successfully raised over $12,000 to aid her family during this difficult time. The tragic incident has sparked conversations about the dire need for improvements in transit safety and security as residents grapple with the impact of such violence in their community.

Key Points:

• Iryna Zarutska, 23, was stabbed to death on the Lynx Blue Line light rail.
• Decarlos Brown Jr., 34, was arrested as the suspect and will face murder charges.
• The motive for the attack is currently unknown, with reports stating that the two individuals did not know each other.
• Community members are calling for increased security measures on public transport.
• Mayor Vi Lyles has advocated for better mental health resources and security enhancements within the transit system.

Background Context:

Before moving to Charlotte, Zarutska was navigating life in Ukraine, which has been plagued by conflict and instability. Seeking an opportunity for a new beginning, she moved to the U.S. Looking ahead, many community leaders are now advocating for swift action to ensure that public transit systems are safe for all commuters, addressing both security and mental health issues that affect individuals like Brown.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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Additional Resources

• WBTV: Charlotte Light Rail Murder – Victim Recently Fled Ukraine
• Charlotte Observer: Local Crime News
• Fox News: Ukrainian Woman Stabbed to Death
• WBTV: Witness Describes Aftermath of Deadly Stabbing
• Wikipedia: Public Transport Safety

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.