Charlotte, NC, September 26, 2025
News Summary
The recent fatal stabbing of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska on the Charlotte light rail has left the community in shock. Surveillance footage shows the suspect, Decarlos Brown Jr., hours before the incident displaying unusual behavior. As Brown faces first-degree murder charges, discussions about public safety and mental health systems intensify, prompting calls for enhanced security measures in public transportation. A vigil for Zarutska, who fled Ukraine and had aspirations to work with animals, highlights the tragedy and sparks advocacy for naming a light rail station in her honor.
Charlotte is reeling from the recent fatal stabbing of a Ukrainian refugee on the light rail, as new surveillance footage emerges showing the suspect, Decarlos Brown Jr., hours before the incident. Brown, who has been charged with first-degree murder, is currently awaiting trial following the stabbing of 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska on August 22.
The footage, obtained from the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS), shows Brown using public transportation leading up to the attack. On the evening of August 22, he was seen riding a public bus to the transit center before boarding the Lynx Blue Line light rail. While CATS did not release video footage from the bus itself, surveillance cameras captured Brown at a light rail stop in Uptown Charlotte.
According to the timestamps from the surveillance footage, Brown arrived at the CTC Arena light rail platform around 8:10 p.m.. Upon arrival, he set down a backpack and sat alone on a bench, avoiding interaction with passersby. A security patrol from CATS passed by him at 8:18 p.m., but Brown did not engage with them.
Brown boarded a southbound light rail car at 8:26 p.m., where he sat towards the rear of the car. During the ride to the final stop at I-485, which was reached at 8:55 p.m., Brown displayed unusual behavior, laughing loudly numerous times without engaging with any other passengers. After exiting the train, Brown’s movements during the next hour, leading up to the stabbing at around 9:50 p.m., remain unclear as further surveillance footage has yet to be obtained.
The stabbing incident involved Brown allegedly attacking Zarutska multiple times with a knife, resulting in her death on the train. Brown was arrested shortly after and charged with first-degree murder. Additionally, a federal charge was later added relating to death caused on a mass transportation system.
Zarutska, described by her family as kind, confident, and artistic, had recently fled Ukraine and had aspirations to work with animals. In the wake of this tragedy, discussions regarding public safety and mental health systems have intensified in Charlotte, prompting residents and activists to call for increased security measures on the light rail system.
Further complicating the narrative, the surveillance details obtained contradict earlier statements made by CATS interim-CEO Brent Cagle, who had indicated that Brown entered the system by bus. A representative from CATS confirmed that Brown had no prior interactions with their security personnel that evening and showed no signs of needing assistance.
In remembrance of Zarutska, a vigil was held on the one-month anniversary of her death, where mourners advocated for changes in public safety policies. Requests have been made to consider honoring Zarutska by naming the light rail station after her.
Key Facts
- Decarlos Brown Jr. charged with first-degree murder
- Iryna Zarutska, a Ukrainian refugee, fatally stabbed on August 22
- Surveillance footage recorded by CATS shows Brown’s movements before the attack
- Brown displayed unusual behavior on the light rail
- Discrepancies noted in previous statements from CATS officials
- Vigil held in memory of Zarutska; calls for safety changes on public transportation
Chart of Incident Timeline
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 8:10 p.m. | Brown arrives at CTC Arena light rail platform |
| 8:18 p.m. | CATS security passes by Brown |
| 8:26 p.m. | Brown boards southbound light rail car |
| 8:55 p.m. | Brown exits at I-485 stop |
| 9:50 p.m. | Brown allegedly stabs Zarutska |
FAQs
What happened on August 22 in Charlotte?
At approximately 9:50 p.m., Brown allegedly stabbed 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska multiple times, resulting in her death on the train.
What charges has Brown faced?
Brown has been charged with first-degree murder, and a federal charge was added later, relating to death caused on a mass transportation system.
What was Zarutska’s background?
Zarutska had fled Ukraine and was described by her family as kind, confident, and artistic with aspirations to work with animals.
What actions are being proposed following the incident?
The attack has sparked discussions on public safety and mental health systems in Charlotte, with calls for increased security measures on the light rail system. Additionally, requests have been made to name the light rail station after Zarutska in her honor.
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Additional Resources
- WBTV: New Video Shows Alleged Charlotte Light Rail Stabber
- Wikipedia: Public Transport
- Charlotte Observer: Charlotte Stabbing Incident
- Google Search: Charlotte Light Rail Stabbing
- CNN: Iryna Zarutska Murder
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mass Transportation
- Fox News: Train Stabbing Suspect
- Google News: Iryna Zarutska
- AP News: Charlotte Train Stabbing
- Google Scholar: Charlotte Mass Transit 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.
