Charlotte, NC, October 2, 2025
News Summary
A tragic incident occurred on a Charlotte light rail train when Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee, was fatally stabbed. The police have released audio of 911 calls that capture the chaos following the attack, which left witnesses in shock. The suspected assailant, Decarlos Dejuan Brown Jr., has been charged with first-degree murder. This incident has raised concerns about violent crime and pretrial release policies, prompting discussions among policymakers on community safety.
Charlotte experienced a tragic incident on August 22, 2025, when a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee named Iryna Zarutska was stabbed to death aboard a light rail train. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department has released audio from five 911 calls made immediately following the incident, capturing the chaos and urgency of the situation. One caller reported that Zarutska was gravely injured, stating she was “bleeding a lot” and appeared unresponsive.
Zarutska sustained three stab wounds to the throat, with a significant injury to her carotid artery. Following the stabbing, emergency responders found her on the train but she was later pronounced dead at 10:05 p.m. Witnesses described a frenzied scene, with people screaming and in distress over the attack.
The suspected assailant, 34-year-old Decarlos Dejuan Brown Jr., was located on the outbound platform shortly after the stabbing and was wearing clothing that matched the suspect’s description. Police discovered a folding knife at the scene, indicating a violent confrontation. Brown had a history of criminal convictions and was out on bail at the time of the incident. He has since been charged with first-degree murder and a federal charge of committing an act causing death on a mass transportation system. The federal charges may carry the possibility of the death penalty.
This tragedy has sparked concerns over violent crime and the handling of repeat offenders in Charlotte. A House Judiciary Subcommittee in Congress has scheduled a hearing to address these issues, particularly the lenient pretrial release policies that some believe may jeopardize community safety. During the hearing, policymakers are expected to discuss the effects of these policies on crime rates and public welfare.
Incident Details
- Date of incident: August 22, 2025
- Victim: Iryna Zarutska, 23 years old
- Location: Charlotte light rail train
- Injuries: Three stab wounds to the throat
- Time of death: 10:05 p.m.
- Suspect: Decarlos Dejuan Brown Jr., 34 years old
- Suspect’s charges: First-degree murder and federal charge related to mass transportation
- Potential consequence: Death penalty consideration
Context of Refugee Situation
Iryna Zarutska had recently arrived in the United States to escape the ongoing war in Ukraine, seeking safety and a new life. This brutal attack raises questions about the vulnerabilities facing refugees and immigrants in the U.S., particularly those who come from war-torn areas in search of refuge.
The community is now calling for deeper discussions on how to prevent such violent occurrences, especially regarding individuals with criminal backgrounds being allowed pretrial release. This hearing aims to explore these critical issues and seek solutions to safeguard public safety in Charlotte and beyond.
What Happens Next
Following the incident, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding Zarutska’s death. The judicial process for Brown’s case will unfold in the coming months, with the community and family of Zarutska mourning the loss of a young woman whose life was tragically cut short.
FAQ
What happened to Iryna Zarutska on August 22, 2025?
Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee, was stabbed to death on a Charlotte light rail train on August 22, 2025.
What did the 911 calls indicate?
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department released audio of five 911 calls made immediately after the stabbing incident. Callers described the scene as chaotic, with one stating, “This man f—— stabbed her for no reason.” Another reported that Zarutska was “bleeding a lot” and appeared unresponsive.
Who is the suspect in this case?
The attacker has been identified as 34-year-old Decarlos Dejuan Brown Jr. He has been charged with first-degree murder and a federal charge of committing an act causing death on a mass transportation system.
What actions are being taken in response?
A House Judiciary Subcommittee in Congress is scheduled to hold a hearing regarding violent crime and repeat offenders in Charlotte following the murder. The hearing will focus on lenient pretrial release policies and the impact on community safety.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Victim | Iryna Zarutska, 23 years old, Ukrainian refugee |
| Date of Incident | August 22, 2025 |
| Incident Location | Charlotte light rail train |
| Suspect | Decarlos Dejuan Brown Jr., 34 years old |
| Charges | First-degree murder; federal charge related to mass transportation |
| Community Response | Hearing on violent crime and pretrial release policies scheduled in Congress |
| Victim’s Background | Escaped the war in Ukraine |
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Charlotte Hosts U.S. House Subcommittee Hearing on Violent Crime
Additional Resources
- Fox News
- Wikipedia: Charlotte, North Carolina
- ABC News
- Google Search: Charlotte train stabbing
- New York Post
- Google Scholar: Iryna Zarutska
- Charlotte Observer
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Charlotte
- CNN
- Google News: Iryna Zarutska
Author: HERE Charlotte
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