CHARLOTTE, NC — A quiet Friday night in Charlotte’s bustling South End turned deadly after a woman was fatally stabbed near the Blue Line light rail. Authorities have identified the victim as 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska, while the alleged suspect, 34-year-old Decarlos Brown, remains hospitalized from injuries he sustained during the attack. Once discharged, Brown will face a first-degree murder charge, according to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police.
The incident occurred around 10 p.m. Friday near the East Boulevard station, a busy transit hub often filled with passengers heading home, dining out, or enjoying the nightlife. CMPD Major Ryan Kendall confirmed that officers arriving on scene found Zarutska suffering from multiple stab wounds. Paramedics attempted life-saving measures, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Suspect’s Troubling Background
Court records reveal that Brown has a history of erratic behavior and prior arrests. In January, he was detained after allegedly misusing the 911 system, insisting to officers that an unknown “man-made material” had been implanted in his body and was controlling his movements, speech, and daily habits. When police explained they could not investigate such claims, Brown repeatedly contacted emergency services, leading to his arrest.
It is not yet clear whether Zarutska and Brown knew each other prior to Friday’s encounter, and police have not confirmed a motive. The possibility that this may have been a random attack has heightened community fears.
“That can happen to anybody,” said passenger Brooks Lacoste, who frequently rides the Blue Line. “It could happen to anybody on the train, and that can be a cause of concern.”
Safety Concerns at the Station
Following the stabbing, a heavy police presence was observed at the East Boulevard station. Officers cordoned off the area as detectives worked late into the night interviewing witnesses and reviewing surveillance footage.
Nearby business owners and regular commuters say the tragedy has left them unsettled. Erika Polyi, who operates a coffee truck near the station, admitted the stabbing has shaken her sense of security. “Being here alone a lot of the time, it’s very concerning,” she said.
Some commuters are now calling for increased security patrols at light rail stations. Steven Kee, a passenger who uses the Blue Line daily, acknowledged the challenge officers face. “It could be better of course. But you can’t be around everywhere at one time,” Kee said.
Remembering the Victim
Little is publicly known about Zarutska, apart from her age. Police confirmed they have notified her family of her death, and friends have begun sharing condolences online. Loved ones describe her as a bright young woman whose life was cut tragically short in an act of senseless violence.
Ongoing Investigation
CMPD homicide detectives are continuing to investigate what led to the deadly confrontation. Authorities have not released details about what may have sparked the attack or whether surveillance video captured the moments leading up to it.
For now, Charlotte is left grappling with the tragic loss of a young life in one of its busiest neighborhoods, and commuters are left questioning their safety in spaces once considered routine and familiar.