Ukrainian Refugee Stabbed to Death at Charlotte Light Rail Station; $12K Raised for Family
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA — A 23-year-old Ukrainian woman who fled the war in her home country was stabbed to death Friday night at a Charlotte light rail station, according to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police. The victim, identified as Iryna Zarutska, had come to the U.S. seeking safety and a fresh start.
Attack at East/West Boulevard Station
The stabbing occurred around 10:30 p.m. Friday at the East/West Boulevard light rail station in Charlotte’s South End.
Police said officers arrived to find Zarutska critically injured. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities arrested Decarlos Brown, 34, shortly after the incident. Brown was hospitalized before being charged with first-degree murder. Investigators confirmed the victim and suspect did not know one another.
“This was a senseless and violent act against a young woman who came here to escape war,” Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police said in their statement.
Suspect’s Criminal History
Court records reviewed by the New York Post show that Brown has a criminal record dating back to 2011.
His history includes:
- Felony larceny
- Robbery with a dangerous weapon
- Communicating threats
Most of these charges were later dropped.
The suspect’s background has renewed concerns over repeat offenders and public safety risks within Charlotte’s transit system.
At a city council meeting, Council member Dimple Ajmera said:
“We need immediate steps to ensure the safety of our riders and operators and to restore confidence in our transit system.”
Community Response and Fundraising
In the wake of Zarutska’s death, a GoFundMe campaign has raised more than $12,000 to assist her family with funeral costs and living expenses.
The fundraiser, organized on behalf of her Ukrainian aunt Valeria, described the loss as:
“An irreparable tragedy. She came here seeking safety and hope for a new beginning, but her life was cut short far too soon.”
Community members have expressed their support, with organizers noting that “any donation or share will mean so much.”
Broader Safety Concerns in Charlotte
The killing has intensified pressure on Charlotte officials to address violence on public transit.
Local advocacy groups say the case illustrates how repeat offenders slip through the system.
“We cannot ignore the fact that this suspect had a history of arrests. This tragedy highlights the urgent need for stronger safeguards,” one community safety group said following the murder.
Key Takeaways
- Victim: 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska
- Incident: Stabbed to death at East/West Boulevard light rail station, Charlotte
- Suspect: Decarlos Brown, 34, charged with first-degree murder
- Background: Brown has a criminal history dating back to 2011
- Community Response: GoFundMe campaign has raised over $12,000
- Public Safety: Renewed calls for stronger transit protections
Charlotte readers — do you feel enough is being done to keep public transit safe? Share your thoughts in the comments, and follow ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com for more U.S. news and public safety updates.
