Charlotte, North Carolina, September 17, 2025
News Summary
A grand jury has indicted Decarlos Brown for the murder of Iryna Zarutska, who was fatally stabbed while on the LYNX Blue Line in Charlotte. Brown, with a history of violent crime, is facing first-degree murder charges after a surveillance video captured the incident. The case has sparked discussions on public safety and mental health in North Carolina.
Charlotte, North Carolina – A grand jury has returned a murder indictment for Decarlos Brown, 34, in the fatal stabbing of Iryna Zarutska, 23. The incident occurred on August 22 on the LYNX Blue Line in South End, Charlotte. Brown is accused of stabbing Zarutska multiple times in the neck while she was seated on the train with earbuds in, looking at her phone.
Zarutska had recently fled Ukraine, seeking safety from the ongoing war, and was working full-time at a pizzeria while attending community college. The murder case gained national attention after the release of surveillance video showing the stabbing, which depicted no interaction between Brown and Zarutska prior to the attack.
Following the stabbing, Brown was taken to a local hospital for treatment of a laceration and charged with first-degree murder. His criminal history is extensive, with 14 previous court cases in Mecklenburg County, including a conviction for armed robbery in 2015 and other violent acts. An attorney representing Brown has filed a motion for a competency evaluation, citing his mental health struggles, including a diagnosis of schizophrenia.
President Donald Trump has publicly commented on the case, describing the attack as “horrible” and emphasizing the need for strong actions against violent crime. Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles pledged to enhance security on public transit and acknowledged failures in the judicial system that permitted Brown’s earlier release. Brown had been released from a previous misdemeanor charge just months before the attack, leading to calls from local Republicans for the removal of the judge responsible for his release.
The stabbing has raised significant concerns over public safety on Charlotte’s transit system, with many residents expressing feelings of insecurity. Zarutska’s family described her death as “tragic and preventable,” highlighting that she was just minutes away from home at the time of the attack.
The incident has sparked political debates across North Carolina surrounding mental health support and criminal justice policies, with varying responses from Democratic and Republican leaders. The FBI is also involved in the investigation of the stabbing since it occurred on a public transportation system. If convicted of the charges against him, Brown faces life in prison without parole or potentially the death penalty.
Zarutska is remembered by the community for her vibrant spirit and kindness, with tributes reflecting her tenacity and love for animals. She was a talented artist who aspired to become a veterinary assistant, and her tragic death has had a profound impact on those who knew her.
FAQ
Who has been indicted for the stabbing death of Iryna Zarutska?
Decarlos Brown, 34, has been indicted for the murder of Iryna Zarutska, 23.
When did the incident occur?
The incident occurred on August 22.
Where did the stabbing take place?
The stabbing took place on the LYNX Blue Line in South End, Charlotte, North Carolina.
What was Iryna Zarutska’s background?
She had recently fled Ukraine due to the ongoing war, was working full-time at a pizzeria, and was attending community college.
What did the surveillance video show?
The video footage showed no interaction between Brown and Zarutska prior to the attack.
What are the charges against Decarlos Brown?
Brown has been charged with first-degree murder and faces life in prison without parole or the death penalty if convicted.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | August 22 |
| Victim | Iryna Zarutska, 23 |
| Suspect | Decarlos Brown, 34 |
| Location | LYNX Blue Line, South End, Charlotte, North Carolina |
| Charges | First-degree murder |
| Conviction Risk | Life in prison without parole or death penalty |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- ABC News: Uncle of Murdered Charlotte Stabbing Victim Speaks
- Wikipedia: Crime in the United States
- CNN: Iryna Zarutska Murder Case
- Google Search: Iryna Zarutska murder
- BBC News: Details on the Charlotte Stabbing Incident
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Murder
- NBC News: Safety Concerns Following Stabbing Incident
- Google News: Decarlos Brown case
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.
