====== Murder of Iryna Zarutska ======
Just before 10 p.m. August 22nd 2025
Iryna Zarutska was stabbed in the throat by Decarlos Brown
{{infobox>
name = civilian attack
location = East/West Boulevard station,Charlotte, North Carolina, U.S.
date = 2025/8/22
caption = CCTV footage showing the prelude and aftermath of the killing
time = before 10:00 p.m. Eastern Time Zone|EDT (UTC−04:00|UTC−4)
type = Stabbing
Culprit = Decarlos Brown
charges = First-degree murder
image = {{:crimes:irynazarutska.jpg?|}}
====== From her obituary ======
//
"Iryna is survived by her parents, Anna and Stanislav; her sister, Valeriia; her brother, Bohdan; her life partner, Stas Nikulytsia; aunt, Valeria Haskell (Scott); her cousins, Vera Falkner and Viktor Falkner; and many cherished family members and friends.//
//Iryna will be remembered for her kindness, her creativity, and the lasting impression she left on everyone she met. Her absence leaves a deep void, but her spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved her.//
//In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution program will be established.//
//James Funeral Home, of Huntersville, is serving the family, and obituary lovingly written by the family."//
===== Sources =====
[[https://edition.cnn.com/2025/09/08/us/iryna-zarutska-murder-ukraine-refugee|CNN Article on the event]]
[[https://www.jamesfuneralhomelkn.com/obituaries/iryna-zarutska/obituary|Iryna Zarutska Obituary]]
===== Reasons for adding to site =====
Under-covered story in the news with Wikipedia marking the page as possibly requiring deletion
----
===== Wikipedia Copy =====
{{infobox>
name = civilian attack
image = example.jpg
Field 1 = Text 1
Field 2 = Text 2
location = [[East/West Boulevard station]], [[Charlotte, North Carolina]], U.S.
date = 2025/8/22
image = Man murders 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee Irina Zarucka for no apparent reason in the Charlotte, North Carolina subway.webm
caption = CCTV footage showing the prelude and aftermath of the killing
time = before 10:00 p.m. [[Eastern Time Zone|EDT]] ([[UTC−04:00|UTC−4]])
target =
type = [[Stabbing]]
victim = Iryna Zarutska
accused =
charges = [[First-degree murder]]
coordinates = {{Coord|35.211944|N|80.859167|W|type:event_region:US-NC|display=inline,title
}}
The '''killing of Iryna Zarutska''' occurred on August 22, 2025, at the [[East/West Boulevard station|East/West Boulevard]] [[light rail station]] on the [[Lynx Blue Line]][{{cite news |last=Blanes|first=Simone |title=Assassinato chocante de refugiada ucraniana em trem revolta EUA |url=https://veja.abril.com.br/mundo/divulgacao-de-video-de-assassinato-de-ucraniana-no-trem-revolta-eua/ |access-date=7 September 2025 |work=[[Veja (magazine)]] |language=pt}}] in [[Charlotte, North Carolina]], United States. Iryna Zarutska, a [[Ukrainian refugee crisis|Ukrainian refugee]] who had fled her country because of the [[Russian invasion of Ukraine|Russian invasion]], was fatally stabbed. Her assailant was arrested upon exiting the train and charged with [[first-degree murder]].
The killing drew international coverage for Zarutska's status as a refugee seeking safety in the United States, prompted a public statement from Charlotte mayor [[Vi Lyles]], and footage of the killing sparked outrage on social media, leading to policy discussions about transit security, fare enforcement, and gaps in the criminal justice and [[Mental Health Systems Act of 1980|mental health systems]].[{{Cite web|url=https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/deadly-cats-stabbing-surveillance-video-to-be-released/275-347a6496-4a0c-4049-a87d-72533fce7e71|title=CATS releases surveillance video of deadly light rail stabbing|date=September 5, 2025|website=wcnc.com|publisher=WCNC-TV|location=North Carolina|first1=Hank|last1=Lee|first2=Jesse|last2=Pierre|first3=Anna|last3=King|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250908020326/https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/deadly-cats-stabbing-surveillance-video-to-be-released/275-347a6496-4a0c-4049-a87d-72533fce7e71|archive-date=September 8, 2025|access-date=September 8, 2025}}][{{Cite web |date=2025-08-26 |title=У США вбили 23-річну українку Ірину Заруцьку: що відомо |url=https://www.bbc.com/ukrainian/articles/cn43nllr0y1o |access-date=2025-09-06 |website=BBC News Україна |language=uk}}]
== Background ==
Iryna Zarutska, 23,[{{Cite news |date=2025-08-28 |title=Obituary gives more details about light rail stabbing victim |url=https://www.wfae.org/crime-justice/2025-08-28/obituary-gives-more-details-about-light-rail-stabbing-victim |access-date=2025-09-07 |website=[[WFAE]] |language=en}}] born in [[Kyiv]], Ukraine,[{{Cite web|url=https://www.jamesfuneralhomelkn.com/obituaries/iryna-zarutska/obituary|title=Iryna Zarutska's Obituary, Visitation & Funeral Information|website=James Funeral Home|access-date=September 8, 2025}}] arrived with her family in the United States in 2022, fleeing the [[Russo-Ukrainian War|ongoing war]] following Russia's invasion of her home country. According to a [[GoFundMe]] page created by her family, Zarutska had settled in Charlotte, North Carolina.[{{Cite web |last=Warrick |first=Michael |date=2025-08-25 |title=Woman killed in Charlotte light rail stabbing recently fled from Ukraine, loved ones say |url=https://www.wbtv.com/2025/08/25/charlotte-light-rail-murder-victim-recently-fled-ukraine-fundraiser-says/ |access-date=2025-09-06 |website=[[WBTV]] |language=en}}][{{Cite web|last=Keane|first=Isabel |date=2025-08-27 |title=Woman who fled Ukraine to escape war stabbed to death in North Carolina train station |url=https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/crime/ukraine-refugee-stabbed-death-charlotte-iryna-zarutska-b2814757.html |access-date=2025-09-06 |website=The Independent |language=en}}]
The 34-year-old suspect[{{Cite web|publisher=The Indian Express [P] Ltd.|first=Syed Wahab|last=Ali|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250908060725/https://www.financialexpress.com/world-news/us-news/who-is-decarlos-brown-jr-man-accused-of-killing-ukrainian-refugee-at-charlotte-train-station/3970082/|archive-date=September 8, 2025|location=India|work=Financial Express|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/world-news/us-news/who-is-decarlos-brown-jr-man-accused-of-killing-ukrainian-refugee-at-charlotte-train-station/3970082/|title=Who is Decarlos Brown Jr? Man accused of killing Ukrainian refugee at Charlotte Train Station|access-date=September 8, 2025|date=September 8, 2025}}] who was [[Fare evasion|fare-jumping]] at the time of the killing,[{{cite news |title=Suspect arrested after deadly stabbing in South End |url=https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/deadly-stabbing-charlotte-nc-8-22-2025/275-01918405-4783-40c8-963f-0a6dd86c70c6 |access-date=September 8, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250908053519/https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/deadly-stabbing-charlotte-nc-8-22-2025/275-01918405-4783-40c8-963f-0a6dd86c70c6|archive-date=September 8, 2025|date=August 24, 2025|first1=Matthew|last1=Ablon|first2=Nathaniel|last2=Puente|location=North Carolina|work=WCNC Charlotte|publisher=WCNC-TV}}]
== Killing ==
[[File:Man murders 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee Irina Zarucka for no apparent reason in the Charlotte, North Carolina, subway.webm|thumb|upright|left|CCTV footage showing Zarutska boarding the train and her killer after stabbing her.]]
On August 22, 2025, Zarutska was at a light rail station in Charlotte's [[South End, Charlotte|South End neighborhood]]. Surveillance footage shows Zarutska boarding the train and sitting in front of the perpetrator. No security personnel were present in the train car, though there were officers on board the train one car ahead.[{{cite web | last=Córdova | first=Maricielo Grados | title=Una joven ucraniana refugiada en EEUU fue brutalmente asesinada en un tren de Charlotte | website=Infobae | date=2025-09-06 | url=https://www.infobae.com/estados-unidos/2025/09/06/una-joven-ucraniana-refugiada-en-eeuu-fue-brutalmente-asesinada-en-un-tren-de-charlotte/ | language=es | access-date=2025-09-07}}] Four minutes later, the perpetrator pulled a [[pocket knife]] from his hoodie and stabbed Zarutska three times, including at least once in the neck.[{{cite web | title=Ukrainian refugee, 23, stabbed to death on US train in 'random attack' | website=The Indian Express | date=2025-09-07 | url=https://indianexpress.com/article/world/ukraine-refugee-us-north-carolina-train-stabbing-police-cctv-video-10235057/ | access-date=2025-09-07>][{{Cite web|last=Biswas|first=Shuvrajit Das |date=2025-09-07 |title=Who is Decarlos Brown Jr.? Man arrested for murdering Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska in North Carolina |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/us-news/who-is-decarlos-brown-jr-man-arrested-for-murdering-ukrainian-refugee-iryna-zarutska-in-north-carolina-101757189263530.html |access-date=2025-09-08 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}][{{Cite web |last1=Gray |first1=Daniel |last2=Charlotte |first2=Jordan Kudisch |title=Graphic Content Warning: CATS releases video of deadly light rail stabbing |url=https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nc/charlotte/news/2025/09/05/cmpd-releases-video-of-deadly-light-rail-stabbing |access-date=2025-09-06 |website=Spectrum News 1 |language=en}}][{{Cite web|last=Bruno|first=Joe|publisher=[[WSOC-TV]]|date=2025-09-06|title=CATS releases video of deadly random stabbing on light rail|location=North Carolina|url=https://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/cats-releases-video-deadly-random-stabbing-light-rail/TLJEYUIKYZBNLGMWR5CA5LUOEA/|access-date=2025-09-08|archive-date=September 8, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250908053516/https://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/cats-releases-video-deadly-random-stabbing-light-rail/TLJEYUIKYZBNLGMWR5CA5LUOEA/|website=WSOC TV|language=en|url-status=live}}] Zarutska was pronounced dead at the scene.[{{cite web | last=Nieves | first=Alicia | title=Ukrainian refugee killed in random stabbing on North Carolina train | website=NewsNation | date=2025-09-07 | url=https://www.newsnationnow.com/crime/ukrainian-refugee-killed-random-stabbing-north-carolina-train/ | access-date=2025-09-07}}][{{cite news |last=Altman-Devilbiss|first=Alexx |title=What we know about the repeat offender accused of killing Ukrainian refugee on NC train |url=https://wchstv.com/news/nation-world/what-we-know-about-the-repeat-offender-decarlos-brown-jr-accused-of-killing-ukrainian-refugee-iryna-zarutska-on-charlotte-north-carolina-train-first-degree-murder-mecklenburg-county |access-date=September 8, 2025 |work=[[WCHS-TV]] |date=September 8, 2025 |language=en}}] The suspect was transported for treatment following his arrest, and was charged with [[first-degree murder]].[{{Cite web |title=Case Update: Homicide Investigation in the Central Division |url=https://www.charlottenc.gov/cmpd/News-Information/Newsroom/Homicide-Investigation-in-the-Central-Division-08.22.25 |access-date=2025-09-06 |website=Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department |language=en-US}}]
The [[Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department]] (CMPD) has not disclosed the motive for the attack. The investigation remains ongoing, with CMPD's homicide unit encouraging the public to provide any relevant information.[{{Cite web|last=Serdyuk|first=Kateryna |date=2025-09-06 |title=Вбивство українки у США: з'явилися кадри з місця злочину |url=https://tsn.ua/ukrayina/vbyvstvo-ukrayinky-u-ssha-ziavylysia-kadry-z-mistsia-zlochynu-2907113.html |access-date=2025-09-06 |website=ТСН.ua |language=uk}}]
On September 6, 2025, local Charlotte TV channel [[WBTV]] quoted the authorities saying that the suspect "[[Fare evasion|did not have a ticket]] to ride the train".[{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250908020323/https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/charlotte-mayor-vi-lyles-statement-deadly-cats-light-rail-stabbing-iryna-zarutska/275-ca0b196b-f997-45a1-9224-717f3bdc4a9f|url=https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/charlotte-mayor-vi-lyles-statement-deadly-cats-light-rail-stabbing-iryna-zarutska/275-ca0b196b-f997-45a1-9224-717f3bdc4a9f|location=North Carolina|archive-date=September 8, 2025| title='Senseless and tragic': Charlotte mayor issues statement on deadly CATS stabbing |access-date=2025-09-06 |website=[[WBTV]]|first=Hank|last=Lee}}] He was subsequently charged with first-degree murder for stabbing Zarutska to death.[
Following the killing, local officials and the [[district attorney]] publicly discussed gaps in Mecklenburg County's mental health and justice systems, using the case as an example in debates over how courts handle defendants with serious [[Mental disorder|mental illness]].][{{Cite news |last=Sands |first=Alexandria |date=2025-09-04 |title=Mecklenburg's DA acknowledges criminal justice system gaps following light rail killing |url=https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/09/04/light-rail-stabbing-mecklenburg-district-attorney-merriweather-mental-health |access-date=2025-09-07 |work=Axios Charlotte |language=en}}] The Charlotte Area Transit System said it would seek to increase fare inspections, install new ticket validators, and expand security staffing on trains and platforms.[{{Cite news|last=Warrick|first=Michael |date=2025-09-03 |title=Charlotte light rail ticket enforcement expected to increase after stabbing |url=https://www.wbtv.com/2025/09/03/cats-light-rail-ticket-enforcement-expected-increase-after-stabbing/ |access-date=2025-09-07 |work=WBTV |language=en}}] Mayor Vi Lyles called the killing "senseless and tragic" and urged respect for the victim's family as the investigation continued.[{{cite web|last=Lee|first=Hank |url=https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/charlotte-mayor-vi-lyles-statement-deadly-cats-light-rail-stabbing-iryna-zarutska/275-ca0b196b-f997-45a1-9224-717f3bdc4a9f | title='Senseless and tragic': Charlotte mayor issues statement on deadly CATS stabbing |access-date=2025-09-06 |website=wbtv.com}}] Multiple [[Charlotte City Council]] officials and candidates in the [[2025 Charlotte mayoral election]] called for greater action to ensure safety on public transit.[{{cite web | last=Ramsey | first=Mary | title=Crime takes focus in Charlotte mayoral race after South End light rail stabbing | website=Charlotte Observer | date=2025-09-03 | url=https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/politics-government/election/article311945369.html | access-date=2025-09-07}}] [[Dimple Ajmera]], a member of the [[Charlotte city council]], said of the crime, "Clearly, our current safety policies are not enough," and expressed concern that fear of crime in the transportation system might affect an upcoming [[referendum]] to expand the city's light rail system.[{{cite web|last=Portillo|first=Ely | title=Charlotte City Council members want answers on light rail crime, safety | url=https://www.wfae.org/crime-justice/2025-08-26/charlotte-city-council-members-want-answers-on-light-rail-crime-safety |date=August 26, 2025|website=WFAE}}]
The killing garnered national attention in the United States, particularly from [[right-wing]] political commentators, and was described by ''[[The Charlotte Observer]]'' as having become "politicized".[{{cite web | last1=Muccigrosso | first1=Catherine | last2=Bergeron | first2=Josh | title=Deadly light rail stabbing in Charlotte grows political under national spotlight | website=Charlotte Observer | date=2025-09-07 | url=https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/politics-government/article312010409.html | access-date=2025-09-07}}][{{cite web|last1=Song|first1=Vivian|last2=Crilly|first2=Rob | title=Ukrainian, 23, stabbed to death on train in US after fleeing war | website=The Telegraph | date=2025-09-07 | url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/09/07/ukrainian-23-stabbed-to-death-on-train-in-us/ | access-date=2025-09-07 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250908021044/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/09/07/ukrainian-23-stabbed-to-death-on-train-in-us/ | archive-date=2025-09-08}}] Conservative commentators accused mainstream media of not coverhing the Charlotte killing, which involved a white victim and a black suspect, with the same intensity as they did in the [[Killing of Jordan Neely|Jordan Neely]] case where the situation was opposite.[{{Cite web |last=Caputo |first=Marc |date=2025-09-08 |title=Grisly Charlotte stabbing video fuels MAGA's crime message |url=https://www.axios.com/2025/09/08/iryna-zarutska-stabbing-video-republicans-maga |access-date=2025-09-08 |website=Axios |language=en}}]
[[United States Secretary of Transportation|US Secretary of Transportation]] [[Sean Duffy]] publicly blamed Charlotte city officials for the murder, and businessman [[Elon Musk]] criticized judges and district attorneys for allowing "criminals to roam free."[{{cite news |last1=Puente |first1=Nathaniel |title=President Trump asked about deadly Charlotte CATS stabbing {{!}} 'I'll know about it by tomorrow' |url=https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/president-trump-deadly-charlotte-stabbing/275-fea7ecfc-fd7a-4e16-a284-a52616c3f50f |access-date=8 September 2025 |work=wcnc.com |date=7 September 2025}}] A Trump adviser told ''[[Axios (website)|Axios]]'' that this is going to be an issue he's going to highlight.[{{cite web | title=Ukraine's Foreign Ministry comments on fatal stabbing of 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee in US | website=[[Ukrainska Pravda]] | date=2025-08-27 | url=https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2025/08/27/7528013/ | access-date=2025-09-07}}][{{cite web|last=Bandouil|first=Sonya | title=Ukrainian refugee stabbed to death in North Carolina, suspect charged with murder | website=The Kyiv Independent | date=2025-09-07 | url=https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-refugee-stabbed-to-death-in-north-carolina-suspect-charged-with-murder/ | access-date=2025-09-07}}] In the United Kingdom, ''[[The Times]]'' noted that the case had "fuelled a debate about crime rates in the United States",[{{cite web | title=Murder of Ukrainian refugee in US ignites row over race | work=[[The Times]] | date=2025-09-08 | url=https://www.thetimes.com/us/news-today/article/iryna-zarutska-killing-video-charlotte-north-carolina-zr0zwndjs | access-date=2025-09-08 |first=Joshua |last=Thurston |archive-date=2025-09-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250908093837/https://www.thetimes.com/us/news-today/article/iryna-zarutska-killing-video-charlotte-north-carolina-zr0zwndjs |url-access=subscription}}] while ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]'' noted the case "has triggered uproar over crime in the US".[{{cite web | title=Ukrainian, 23, stabbed to death on train in US after fleeing war | work=[[The Daily Telegraph]] | date=2025-09-07 | url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/09/07/ukrainian-23-stabbed-to-death-on-train-in-us/ | access-date=2025-09-08 |first=Vivian |last=Song |first2=Rob |last2=Crilly }}]
A [[GoFundMe]] crowd funding page that was opened for the suspect was closed by the company, after triggering public outrage.[{{Cite web |last=King|first=Jordan|date=2025-09-08 |title=GoFundMe responds to Decarlos Brown Jr. fundraisers |url=https://www.newsweek.com/gofundme-decarlos-brown-jr-fundraiser-iryna-zarutska-north-carolina-train-2126159 |access-date=2025-09-08 |website=Newsweek |language=en}}][{{Cite web |date=2025-09-08 |title='Horrific': Massive outrage over fundraiser for ex-con Decarlos Brown Jr, GoFundMe takes down pages |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/horrific-massive-outrage-over-fundraiser-for-ex-con-decarlos-brown-jr-gofundme-takes-down-pages/articleshow/123765690.cms |access-date=2025-09-08 |work=The Times of India}}]
== See also ==
* [[Murder of Tessa Majors]]
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Zarutska, Iryna}}
[[Category:2025 deaths]]
[[Category:2025 murders in the United States]]
[[Category:2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina]]
[[Category:August 2025 crimes in the United States]]
[[Category:Deaths by person in North Carolina]]
[[Category:Deaths by stabbing in North Carolina]]
[[Category:Violence against women in North Carolina]]
[[Category:Ukrainian refugees]]