Charlotte, NC, October 23, 2025
News Summary
Decarlos Brown has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges related to the fatal stabbing of Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian woman. The incident occurred on a light rail train in Charlotte, where Zarutska was attacked on August 22, suffering multiple stab wounds. Prosecutors allege Brown acted with reckless disregard for human life. Following this case, new legislation aimed at improving transit safety has been proposed, and community concerns have risen.
Charlotte, North Carolina – A federal grand jury has indicted 34-year-old Decarlos Brown on charges related to the fatal stabbing of Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian woman, on a light rail train in Charlotte. This indictment stems from an incident that occurred on August 22, 2023, where Brown is accused of using a dangerous weapon with intent to cause death while on the Charlotte Area Transit System.
Zarutska was attacked while riding the LYNX Blue Line in South End, suffering multiple stab wounds. Surveillance footage captured the moment Brown stabbed her in the neck as she sat wearing earbuds and looking at her phone. Due to special findings in the indictment, Brown could be eligible for the death penalty. Prosecutors allege that he acted with “reckless disregard for human life” in intentionally killing Zarutska.
On top of the federal charges, Brown was also indicted on murder charges in Mecklenburg County Court in September 2023. He has a criminal history with 14 prior cases in Mecklenburg County, including convictions for robbery, breaking and entering, and larceny. Brown previously served six years in prison for robbery involving a dangerous weapon.
The maximum penalty under federal law for violent acts against a mass transportation system that result in death is either life imprisonment or the death penalty, along with potential fines and supervised release options.
Zarutska fled Ukraine in search of safety from war and had been working full-time at a pizzeria while attending community college to improve her English skills. Her family has expressed that her death is “tragic and preventable,” highlighting that she was just minutes from home when the incident occurred. Zarutska’s tragic fate has drawn national attention, especially following remarks made by President Donald Trump in September, which spurred discussions about public safety and the criminal justice system.
In response to Trump’s comments, North Carolina Republicans have called for the removal of a judge who previously released Brown on bond for a misdemeanor charge earlier in 2023. Following Zarutska’s killing, Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles has pledged to increase security personnel on the Blue Line to address transit safety concerns. Additionally, the North Carolina General Assembly has passed legislation known as “Iryna’s Law,” aimed at eliminating cashless bail and expediting death penalty cases, a measure signed into law by Gov. Josh Stein on October 3, 2023.
Furthermore, Brown’s attorney has requested a competency evaluation for him in Mecklenburg County Court, with a local court date scheduled for April 2026. The death of Iryna Zarutska has left her family and community in deep grief, underlining the stark contrast between her pursuit of a better life in America and the tragic circumstances of her death.
FAQ Section
Who is Decarlos Brown?
Decarlos Brown is a 34-year-old man indicted on federal charges related to the fatal stabbing of a Ukrainian woman on a light rail train in Charlotte.
What charges has Brown been indicted on?
Brown is charged with knowingly and unlawfully using a dangerous weapon with intent to cause death on the Charlotte Area Transit System.
Who was the victim?
The victim was Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian woman who was fatally stabbed while riding the LYNX Blue Line.
What are the details of the incident?
The incident took place on August 22, 2023, when Zarutska was attacked while seated on the light rail, where she was stabbed multiple times in the neck.
What potential penalties does Brown face?
Under federal law, the maximum penalty for violent acts against a mass transportation system that result in death is either life imprisonment or the death penalty.
What has the community response been?
The community has expressed deep grief over Zarutska’s death, emphasizing its tragic nature and her pursuit of a better life in America.
What changes have been proposed following this incident?
In response to Zarutska’s killing, there have been calls for increased security on the Blue Line, and the North Carolina General Assembly passed “Iryna’s Law,” which aims to eliminate cashless bail and expedite death penalty cases.
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Decarlos Brown, 34 years old |
| Victim | Iryna Zarutska, 23 years old |
| Charges | Unlawfully using a dangerous weapon with intent to cause death |
| Date of Incident | August 22, 2023 |
| Potential Penalty | Life imprisonment or death penalty |
| Legislation Passed | “Iryna’s Law” |
| Community Response | Calls for increased transit security |
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Additional Resources
- Fox News: Charlotte Man Charged in Iryna Zarutska’s Killing
- ABC News: Suspect Indicted on Federal Charges in Charlotte Train Stabbing
- WCNC: DeCarlos Brown Federally Indicted for Deadly Light Rail Stabbing
- CNN: Iryna Zarutska, Ukrainian Refugee Murdered in NC
- Newsweek: Court Delay Over Iryna Zarutska’s Death Sparks Fury
- Wikipedia: Criticism of the Death Penalty in the United States
- Google Search: Iryna Zarutska
- Google Scholar: Decarlos Brown Stabbing
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Death Penalty
- Google News: Charlotte Train Stabbing
Author: HERE Charlotte
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