The crime just seems to be increasing. Iryna Zarutska went on a train not realising that would be the last train ride of her life. In an unfortunate incident, Iryna was stabbed and succumbed to death. This occurred on a Charlotte light rail train and the attack is currently being investigated by the FBI.
Here’s what we know so far, what prosecutors are planning, and the big questions still unanswered.
The Crime That Caused an Uproar
Iryna was a young 23 year old refugee from Ukraine who came to America seeking safety and was brutally stabbed while on a train, on the 22nd of August 2025. According to investigators, this as a sudden attack.
The suspect, Decarlos Brown, 34, was taken to a hospital for treatment of an injury and charged with first-degree murder.
What does the Footage Show?
This act was captured on camera. It clearly depicts Iryna entering the train and taking a seat. She sat in front of the suspect. While sitting, she was busy with her mobile phone, and she wore headphones. Approximately 4.5 minutes later the suspect grabbed a knife from his pocket, according to footage. He unwrapped the knife as Zarutska looked at her phone.
The video then shows Brown jumping up, grabbing the seat bar in front of him with his left hand, and stabbing Zarutska with his right hand.
The Call From Jail
Brown made a call to his sister. The call was made from prison and was recorded. On the call he told his sister that he did not know Iryna and blamed his actions on certain devices that he believed were installed in his brain by the government.
Federal Charges Raise the Stakes
The U.S. Justice Department filed a federal charge against Brown on the 9th of September 2025, for committing an act causing death on a mass transportation system.
Unlike the state charge, the federal case has potential for life in prison or even the death penalty. Federal prosecutors seldom file such charges unless they consider the offence poses a significant risk to public safety.
What Happens Next in Court
This case will move forward in two parts, at state level and at federal level.
Firstly, lawyers will on both sides will exchange and examine evidence. This is referred to as the pretrial process.
Since Brown has a history of mental illness, doctors will likely be asked to evaluate whether he is mentally fit to stand trial.
During the trial, defence attorneys will try to use the accused’s medical condition to support their case, but prosecutors will remain confident in their case.
Both the state and federal cases allow for the death penalty, though it’s not yet clear if North Carolina prosecutors will pursue it.
Public Safety Concerns Amongst Citizens
Citizens are extremely concerned about public safety. Officials at the station have mentioned their security measures have been strengthened to prevent this from happening again.
Following the murder, many residents have been concerned about the safety of using public transport.
Unanswered Questions
Even with new evidence, big questions remain:
- Prosecutors have still not concluded a reason as to why Brown committed the act of violence.
- What role did Brown’s mental health play in the attack?
- What will be the outcome of the case?
The Importance of This Case
It is extremely important to aware and vigilant in public spaces. This incident also shows us the gaps in mental healthcare and the importance of closing these gaps.
The family of Iryna Zarutska grieve and hope that justice will be served, and hope that this will not happen to anyone else in future.