Charlotte man charged with Iryna Zarutskas killing could face death penalty

Published: Thursday, October 23, 2025 at 1:49 am

Charlotte Man Faces Federal Death Penalty in Light Rail Killing

Charlotte resident Decarlos Brown Jr., 34, is now facing federal charges in connection with the death of Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian woman. A federal grand jury has indicted Brown, potentially leading to the death penalty.

The charges stem from an incident on August 22nd, where Zarutska was fatally stabbed on a Lynx Blue Line light rail train. Authorities have described the attack as unprovoked. Surveillance footage reportedly shows Zarutska sitting in front of Brown before he allegedly stabbed her three times from behind. There was no apparent prior interaction between the two.

Following the stabbing, Brown allegedly left the scene while other passengers sought assistance. Zarutska was pronounced dead on the train. Responding officers apprehended Brown on the light rail platform shortly after the incident and recovered a pocketknife believed to be the weapon.

Brown has a prior criminal history, including convictions for larceny, breaking and entering, and armed robbery. He served a five-year prison sentence beginning in 2015. Zarutska, who had emigrated from Ukraine with her family to escape the war, was seeking a new life in the United States.

BNN's Perspective: This case highlights the complexities of the justice system and the tragic loss of life. While the severity of the charges reflects the gravity of the crime, it is crucial to ensure a fair and thorough legal process. The focus should be on upholding the law while also acknowledging the profound impact of this event on the victim's family and the community.

Keywords: Decarlos Brown Jr., Iryna Zarutska, Charlotte, light rail, stabbing, death penalty, federal charges, unprovoked attack, Lynx Blue Line, Ukraine, murder, crime, arrest, criminal history.

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