Charlotte, North Carolina, December 12, 2025
Decarlos Brown Jr. faces federal charges for the fatal stabbing of Iryna Zarutska, a Ukrainian refugee, on a Charlotte light rail train. Brown has been charged with first-degree murder and could face life in prison or the death penalty if convicted. His attorneys are seeking a mental health evaluation to assess his competency for trial, while the incident has raised public safety and immigration concerns in the community.
Charlotte, North Carolina: Man Accused of Killing Ukrainian Refugee on Train Appears in Federal Court
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Decarlos Brown Jr., 35, appeared in federal court on December 11, 2025, facing charges related to the fatal stabbing of 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska on a Charlotte light rail train in August. Brown is charged with causing death on a mass transportation system, a federal offense, and first-degree murder in state court. If convicted, he could face life in prison or the death penalty.
During the court session, Brown, shackled and wearing a jumpsuit, stood before U.S. District Judge Susan Rodriguez as the charge was read. His attorneys have requested a mental health evaluation to assess his competency to stand trial, citing concerns over his ability to understand the proceedings and assist in his defense. This request follows a similar motion in the state case, expected to be completed by the end of January.
Authorities allege that on August 22, 2025, Brown fatally stabbed Zarutska on the light rail car at the East/West Boulevard station. Surveillance footage captured the attack, which appeared random. Brown was arrested upon exiting the train and charged with first-degree murder. Federal prosecutors intervened due to questions about his prior criminal history, which includes over a dozen arrests.
In a separate incident on December 5, 2025, Oscar Gerardo Solorzano-Garcia, 33, was charged with attempted first-degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon after allegedly stabbing a man on the same light rail system. Solorzano-Garcia, a Honduran national previously deported twice, faces federal counts for violence on a mass transportation system and illegal reentry. He remains in custody without bond.
Both cases have raised concerns about public safety and immigration enforcement, prompting political scrutiny and discussions about the adequacy of local leadership in addressing such incidents.
Background on Iryna Zarutska’s Death
Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee, was fatally stabbed on August 22, 2025, while riding the Charlotte light rail. Surveillance footage shows Zarutska boarding the train and sitting in front of the perpetrator. Four minutes later, the perpetrator pulled a pocket knife from his hoodie and stabbed Zarutska three times from behind, including at least once in the neck. Zarutska remained conscious or semi-conscious for nearly a minute before bleeding out and collapsing on the floor. No security personnel were present in the train car, though there were officers on board the train one car ahead. Although at least four other people were seated near Zarutska during the stabbing, help from passengers was provided after she collapsed on the floor. Brown exited the train two minutes later and was arrested by police on the platform. Zarutska was pronounced dead at the scene. The suspect was transported for treatment following his arrest and was charged with first-degree murder. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) named Brown as the suspect and did not disclose the motive for the attack. The investigation remains ongoing, with CMPD’s homicide unit encouraging the public to provide any relevant information.
Legal Proceedings and Mental Health Concerns
Brown’s attorneys have filed a motion seeking a psychiatric evaluation to determine his competency to stand trial. They have serious concerns about his ability to understand the nature and consequences of the proceedings against him or to assist properly in his defense. This motion is part of the ongoing legal process, with hearings scheduled in both federal and state courts. The outcome of these proceedings will determine the next steps in the case.
Public Safety and Immigration Enforcement
The incidents involving Brown and Solorzano-Garcia have sparked broader discussions about public safety and immigration enforcement in Charlotte. The community and political leaders are calling for measures to ensure the safety of public transportation systems and to address concerns related to illegal immigration and its impact on local communities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What charges is Decarlos Brown Jr. facing?
Decarlos Brown Jr. is charged with causing death on a mass transportation system in federal court and first-degree murder in state court. If convicted, he could face life in prison or the death penalty.
What is the status of Brown’s mental health evaluation?
Brown’s attorneys have requested a mental health evaluation to assess his competency to stand trial. This request follows a similar motion in the state case, expected to be completed by the end of January.
What happened during the August 22, 2025, incident?
On August 22, 2025, Iryna Zarutska was fatally stabbed on the Charlotte light rail at the East/West Boulevard station. Surveillance footage captured the attack, which appeared random. Brown was arrested upon exiting the train and charged with first-degree murder.
What charges is Oscar Gerardo Solorzano-Garcia facing?
Oscar Gerardo Solorzano-Garcia, 33, is charged with attempted first-degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon after allegedly stabbing a man on the same light rail system. He faces federal counts for violence on a mass transportation system and illegal reentry. He remains in custody without bond.
What are the broader concerns raised by these incidents?
Both cases have raised concerns about public safety and immigration enforcement, prompting political scrutiny and discussions about the adequacy of local leadership in addressing such incidents.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Victim | Iryna Zarutska, 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee |
| Location | Charlotte light rail, East/West Boulevard station |
| Date of Incident | August 22, 2025 |
| Suspect | Decarlos Brown Jr., 35 |
| Charges | First-degree murder (state court), causing death on a mass transportation system (federal court) |
| Potential Penalties | Life in prison or death penalty upon conviction |
| Legal Proceedings | Federal and state cases running parallel; mental health evaluation requested |
| Related Incident | December 5, 2025, stabbing by Oscar Gerardo Solorzano-Garcia on the same light rail system |
| Public Concerns | Public safety and immigration enforcement in Charlotte |
Now Happening on X
- @newsobserver (December 11, 2025, 9:10 AM) The victim in the recent Charlotte light rail stabbing has been arrested on an unrelated assault charge, complicating the ongoing investigation into public safety on transit systems. View on X
- @newsobserver (December 11, 2025, 2:20 PM) Authorities report the victim from the Charlotte light rail stabbing incident is now in custody for a separate assault, raising further questions about safety protocols on public transportation. View on X
- @News3LV (December 10, 2025, 5:00 PM) Two-thirds of Charlotte residents report feeling less safe than last year amid rising concerns following two recent stabbings on the city’s light rail system. View on X
- @Queen_City_News (December 6, 2025, 10:29 AM) A man has been charged with attempted murder after a stabbing incident on Charlotte’s light rail, with CMPD providing updates on the arrest. View on X
- @GenesistheQueen (December 6, 2025, 1:45 PM) An arrest has been made following a stabbing on Charlotte’s light rail, according to WCNC reports, urging consistent community response to transit safety issues. View on X
- @WXII (December 7, 2025, 12:28 AM) Officials report a stabbing along Charlotte’s light rail, highlighting ongoing public safety challenges in the city’s transit network. View on X
- @WXII (December 6, 2025, 10:20 PM) A stabbing incident has been reported on the Charlotte light rail, with authorities urging commuters to stay vigilant. View on X
- @JimHendley4NC (December 6, 2025, 9:56 PM) Another stabbing on Charlotte’s light rail has left a victim in critical condition, criticizing local leadership for inadequate attention to citizen security. View on X
- @aaron_renn (December 6, 2025, 9:09 PM) A serious stabbing incident on Charlotte’s light rail has left one person in critical but stable condition, adding to concerns about urban transit safety. View on X
- @suzy_redd (December 6, 2025, 10:38 AM) An illegal immigrant has been arrested for attempted murder after a light rail stabbing in Charlotte, calling on state leaders to address immigration and public safety. View on X
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Author: HERE Charlotte
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