What began as a routine evening commute turned tragic on August 22, 2025, when 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska, a Ukrainian refugee who had escaped the war in her homeland, was fatally stabbed aboard Charlotte’s Lynx Blue Line light rail train. The senseless attack, captured on surveillance footage, has devastated the community and left her family in Ukraine grieving from afar.
A Random, Unprovoked Assault
Iryna boarded the train shortly before 10 p.m., still in her Zepeddie’s Pizzeria work uniform after completing her shift. She quietly took her seat, unaware of the danger behind her. Sitting just a row away was 34-year-old Decarlos Brown Jr., who appeared calm and unthreatening.
For several minutes, nothing seemed unusual. Then, without warning, Brown reached into his pocket, unfolded a knife, and rose to his feet. In a sudden burst of violence, he attacked Iryna, stabbing her three times—including once in the neck. She collapsed to the floor, clutching her throat as passengers watched in horror.
Surveillance footage shows Brown discarding his bloodstained sweatshirt and waiting near the doors with chilling composure. When the train stopped at the next station, police were already on scene and took him into custody without resistance.
A Life Cut Short
Emergency crews rushed to Iryna’s aid, but she could not be saved. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Her death has struck Charlotte’s Ukrainian refugee community especially hard, as many remember her determination to start anew after fleeing the devastation of war.
Friends and coworkers describe Iryna as hardworking, kind, and full of hope. She had been diligently working shifts while planning for a brighter future, embodying the resilience and optimism of so many who seek safety in America.
Shockwaves Through the Community
The brutal, seemingly random nature of the attack has left Charlotte residents shaken—especially those who rely on public transit daily. The idea that such violence could unfold in a confined, familiar space has sparked fear and concern across the city.
In response, Charlotte officials and the Lynx Blue Line transit authority have pledged to reassess security measures and increase police presence on trains. Advocates have also called for greater support and protection for refugees, who often face unique vulnerabilities.
Seeking Justice
Brown now faces murder charges as investigators continue to search for answers. Authorities have yet to identify a motive, and his calm demeanor after the attack has only intensified the horror surrounding the case.
For Iryna’s family in Ukraine, the news has been devastating. They watched her leave to escape violence, only to lose her to another act of brutality thousands of miles away.
Honoring Iryna’s Memory
Tributes from friends, coworkers, and community members describe Iryna as gentle, cheerful, and resilient—a young woman who brightened the lives of those around her. She carried herself with quiet strength and an enduring sense of hope, qualities that make her loss especially painful.
A candlelight vigil is being organized in Charlotte to honor her memory, offering the community a chance to gather, grieve, and celebrate the life she lived.
Though her time was far too short, Iryna Zarutska’s legacy of kindness and courage will endure—in the stories of those who knew her and in the community now determined to ensure she is never forgotten.