CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WTVD) — A North Carolina man charged in the stabbing death of a 23-year-old woman on a Charlotte light rail train last month is now facing a federal charge.
The story garnered national attention after the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) released surveillance over the weekend. The story drew comments from political leaders, NC Governor Josh Stein and President Trump.
Tuesday afternoon, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that the suspect, Decarlos Brown, will be charged with committing an act causing death on a mass transportation system. The federal criminal complaint was filed in U.S. District Court in Charlotte.
“Iryna Zarutska was a young woman living the American dream – her horrific murder is a direct result of failed soft-on-crime policies that put criminals before innocent people,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “I have directed my attorneys to federally prosecute DeCarlos Brown Jr., a repeat violent offender with a history of violent crime, for murder. We will seek the maximum penalty for this unforgivable act of violence – he will never again see the light of day as a free man.”
“The brutal attack on Iryna Zarutska on the Charlotte Light Rail was a disgraceful act that should never happen in America,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “The FBI jumped to assist in this investigation immediately to ensure justice is served and the perpetrator is never released from jail to kill again. I want to thank Attorney General Bondi for her pursuit of today’s federal charges, which are the first step toward delivering justice for Iryna and her family – as well as the millions of Americans who deserve to live in our great American cities free from being targeted by violent criminals.”
Timeline
On Friday, Aug. 22, Iryna Zarutska boarded the CATS Blue Line and sat in an aisle seat in front of Decarlos Brown. Video footage shows that she was wearing headphones, and the two had no interaction, according to ABC affiliate WSOC.
The train was en route to the East/West Boulevard Station, and there were many passengers on board.
During the ride, Brown, unprovoked, pulled out a knife and stabbed Zarutska to death. After the attack, the video shows Brown walking to the other end of the train and removing his hoodie. Several passengers rushed to help Zarutska.
Declaros Brown is facing murder charges after stabbing a woman to death on a Charlotte transit train on Aug. 22, 2025.
The train stopped about two minutes later, and Brown was immediately arrested by Charlotte police after stepping on the platform. He is facing first-degree murder charges, and CATS banned him for life.
Brown also has a history of criminal activity and mental health issues, WSOC reported.
Zarutska was living in Charlotte after fleeing the war in Ukraine with her mother, sister, and brother.
Those who knew Zarutska described her as a gifted and passionate artist who loved sculpting and designing clothing that reflected her vibrant spirit. She was also an animal lover who often cared for her neighbors’ pets.
Iryna Zarutska, who was a Ukrainian refugee, was fatally stabbed by a man while riding a Charlotte train.
In her obituary, it said: “Many fondly remember seeing her walking them through the neighborhood, always with her radiant smile. She dreamed of pursuing a career as a Veterinary Assistant.”
Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles released a statement on the incident: “The video of the heartbreaking attack that took Iryna Zarutska’s life is now public. I want to thank our media partners and community members who have chosen not to repost or share the footage out of respect for Iryna’s family. This was a senseless and tragic loss. My prayers remain with her loved ones as they continue to grieve through an unimaginable time. Like so many of you, I’m heartbroken – and I’ve been thinking hard about what safety really looks like in our city. I remain committed to doing all we can to protect our residents and ensure Charlotte is a place where everyone feels safe.”
Monday night, Mayor Lyles announced that more officers will be assigned to patrol the rail system.
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