Decarlos Brown Arrested; – A man from North Carolina, who has been charged with the stabbing death of a 23-year-old woman on a Charlotte light rail train last month, is now facing a federal charge.
The incident attracted national attention after the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) released surveillance footage over the weekend. This case prompted reactions from political figures, including NC Governor Josh Stein and President Trump.
On Tuesday afternoon, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that the suspect, Decarlos Brown, will be charged with committing an act resulting in death on a mass transportation system. The federal criminal complaint has been filed in U.S. District Court in Charlotte.
“Iryna Zarutska was a young woman pursuing the American dream – her tragic murder is a direct consequence of ineffective soft-on-crime policies that prioritize criminals over innocent individuals,” stated Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “I have instructed my attorneys to pursue federal prosecution against DeCarlos Brown Jr., a repeat violent offender with a history of violent crime, for murder. We will seek the maximum penalty for this heinous act of violence – he will never again experience freedom.”
“The vicious attack on Iryna Zarutska on the Charlotte Light Rail was an appalling act that should never occur in America,” remarked FBI Director Kash Patel. “The FBI immediately stepped in to assist with this investigation to ensure that justice is served and that the perpetrator is never released from custody to harm others.
I would like to express my gratitude to Attorney General Bondi for her efforts in pursuing today’s federal charges, which represent the initial step toward achieving justice for Iryna and her family – as well as for the millions of Americans who deserve to live in our great cities without the threat of violent criminals.”
On Friday, Aug. 22, Iryna Zarutska boarded the CATS Blue Line and took an aisle seat in front of Decarlos Brown. Video evidence indicates that she was wearing headphones, and there was no interaction between them, according to ABC affiliate WSOC. The train was traveling to the East/West Boulevard Station, and there were numerous passengers on board.
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.
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.
