CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte community is reeling following the tragic death of 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska, a Ukrainian refugee who had recently arrived in the United States seeking safety and a new beginning.
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Zarutska was fatally stabbed at the East/West Boulevard light rail station in South End late Friday night, August 22, 2025. Emergency responders pronounced her dead at the scene. Authorities have arrested Decarlos Brown Jr., 34, a homeless man with a long criminal history, charging him with first-degree murder in connection with the killing.
Police reported responding to a stabbing just before 10 p.m., finding Zarutska with multiple stab wounds. Investigators worked at the platform and surrounding area to determine the circumstances of the attack, which remain under investigation.
Zarutska’s family confirmed she had recently fled the violence in Ukraine, arriving in the United States to build a safe and hopeful future. A GoFundMe set up by relatives describes her as “full of hope and promise,” and emphasizes the profound loss her death has caused for her loved ones.
The suspect, Brown, was treated for non-life-threatening injuries before being booked into custody. Court records show a history of arrests dating back to 2011, including felony larceny, armed robbery, and communicating threats. He served five years in prison for an armed robbery conviction and had pending charges for misuse of the 911 system at the time of the incident. Authorities have noted previous signs of untreated mental health issues in Brown, including a welfare check in January 2025.
Zarutska’s death has sparked renewed conversations in Charlotte about public safety, mental health intervention, and justice system gaps. Community members and the Ukrainian-American population have gathered near the light rail station to mourn, leaving flowers and tributes while calling for justice.
Police continue to investigate the circumstances leading up to the stabbing. Loved ones remember Zarutska as a kindhearted and resilient young woman, whose life was tragically cut short just as she sought peace and security in a new country.