Charlotte, November 26, 2025
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department has released body camera footage from a January encounter with Decarlos Brown Jr. Following his earlier welfare check, Brown was arrested months later for the stabbing death of 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska on a light rail train. This tragic incident has raised discussions about mental health and public safety, leading to the passing of ‘Iryna’s Law’ to enhance safety protocols for suspects in serious crimes.
Charlotte, North Carolina
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) has released body camera footage from a January encounter with Decarlos Brown Jr., who is now charged with the August stabbing death of Iryna Zarutska on the city’s light rail system.
Details of the January Encounter
On January 19, 2025, at approximately 9:20 p.m., CMPD officers responded to a welfare check at Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center in southeast Charlotte. The call was initiated by Brown himself, who reported concerns about his health. Upon arrival, officers engaged with Brown, who expressed beliefs that a “man-made material” had been implanted inside his body, affecting his movements. During the interaction, Brown mentioned a previous diagnosis of schizophrenia but questioned its validity. He also declined medication, citing his belief that his body had been exposed to “man-made materials.” The officers advised him to seek medical attention and informed him that misuse of the 911 system could lead to arrest. Despite this warning, Brown called 911 again for the same issue and was subsequently arrested for misuse of the emergency service. The encounter lasted approximately 28 minutes.
Connection to the August Stabbing
Seven months later, on August 22, 2025, Brown was arrested for the fatal stabbing of 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska on the Lynx Blue Line light rail. Surveillance footage from the incident shows Brown sitting behind Zarutska, then stabbing her multiple times before exiting the train. Zarutska was pronounced dead at the scene.
Reactions and Policy Implications
The release of the body camera footage has sparked discussions about mental health interventions and public safety. Advocates emphasize the need for comprehensive mental health support and improved crisis response strategies. In response to the stabbing, state leaders passed “Iryna’s Law,” which prevents suspects from being released without bond, aiming to enhance public safety.
Background on the Incident
The stabbing of Iryna Zarutska occurred at the East/West Boulevard station on the Lynx Blue Line in Charlotte. Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee, was fatally stabbed while seated on the train. The suspected assailant, Decarlos Brown Jr., was arrested upon exiting the train and charged with first-degree murder.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was the nature of the January encounter between Decarlos Brown Jr. and CMPD officers?
In January 2025, CMPD officers responded to a welfare check initiated by Decarlos Brown Jr. at Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center. During the interaction, Brown expressed concerns about his health, stating that a “man-made material” had been implanted inside his body, affecting his movements. He mentioned a previous diagnosis of schizophrenia but questioned its validity and declined medication. The officers advised him to seek medical attention and informed him that misuse of the 911 system could lead to arrest. Despite this warning, Brown called 911 again for the same issue and was subsequently arrested for misuse of the emergency service. The encounter lasted approximately 28 minutes.
How does the January encounter relate to the August stabbing of Iryna Zarutska?
Seven months after the January encounter, on August 22, 2025, Decarlos Brown Jr. was arrested for the fatal stabbing of 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska on the Lynx Blue Line light rail. Surveillance footage from the incident shows Brown sitting behind Zarutska, then stabbing her multiple times before exiting the train. Zarutska was pronounced dead at the scene.
What is “Iryna’s Law” and how does it relate to the stabbing incident?
In response to the stabbing of Iryna Zarutska, state leaders passed “Iryna’s Law,” which prevents suspects from being released without bond. This legislation aims to enhance public safety by ensuring that individuals charged with serious crimes remain in custody until their trial.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location of January Encounter | Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center, southeast Charlotte |
| Nature of January Encounter | Welfare check initiated by Decarlos Brown Jr., expressing health concerns |
| Outcome of January Encounter | Brown arrested for misuse of the 911 system after repeated calls for the same issue |
| Location of August Stabbing | East/West Boulevard station, Lynx Blue Line, Charlotte |
| Victim | Iryna Zarutska, 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee |
| Suspect | Decarlos Brown Jr., arrested upon exiting the train |
| Legislation Passed | “Iryna’s Law,” preventing suspects from being released without bond |
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Author: HERE Charlotte
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