CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A 23-year-old lady was stabbed to demise on a Charlotte prepare over two weeks in the past. Now, officers with the Charlotte Space Transit System (CATS) have launched surveillance footage from the incident.
On Friday, Aug. 22, Iryna Zarutska boarded the CATS Blue Line and sat in an aisle seat in entrance of Decarlos Brown. Video footage exhibits that she was sporting headphones, and the 2 had no interplay, in line with ABC affiliate WSOC.
The prepare was en path to the East/West Boulevard Station, and there have been many passengers on board.
Throughout the trip, Brown, unprovoked, pulled out a knife and stabbed Zarutska to demise. After the assault, video exhibits Brown strolling to the opposite finish of the prepare and eradicating his hoodie. A number of passengers rushed to assist Zarutska.
Declaros Brown is dealing with homicide costs after stabbing a girl to demise on a Charlotte transit prepare on Aug. 22, 2025.
The prepare stopped about two minutes later, and Brown was instantly arrested by Charlotte police after stepping on the platform. He’s dealing with first-degree homicide costs, and CATS banned him for all times.
Brown has a historical past of prison exercise and psychological well being points, WSOC reported.
The 23-year-old sufferer was residing in Charlotte after fleeing the battle in Ukraine together with her mom, sister and brother.
Those that knew Zarutska described her as a gifted and passionate artist who liked sculpting and designing clothes that mirrored her vibrant spirit. She was additionally an animal lover who usually cared for her neighbors’ pets.
Iryna Zarutska, who was a Ukrainian refugee, was fatally stabbed by a person whereas using a Charlotte prepare.
In her obituary, it mentioned: “Many fondly keep in mind seeing her strolling them by way of the neighborhood, all the time together with her radiant smile. She dreamed of pursuing a profession as a Veterinary Assistant.”
Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles launched a press release on the incident: “The video of the heartbreaking assault that took Iryna Zarutska’s life is now public. I need to thank our media companions and group members who’ve chosen to not repost or share the footage out of respect for Iryna’s household. This was a mindless and tragic loss. My prayers stay together with her family members as they proceed to grieve by way of an unimaginable time. Like so lots of you, I am heartbroken – and I have been pondering arduous about what security actually appears like in our metropolis. I stay dedicated to doing all we will to guard our residents and guarantee Charlotte is a spot the place everybody feels protected.”
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