Ukrainian Refugee Fatally Stabbed at North Carolina Light Rail Station, Suspect Charged with Murder

Iryna Zarutska, 23, was found dead at 9.55pm on Friday at South End light rail station in North Carolina

A 23-year-old Ukrainian woman who fled the war in her home country in search of safety and a better life in the United States has been identified as the victim of a fatal stabbing in North Carolina.

The victim, Iryna Zarutska, was found dead at 9:55 p.m. on Friday at the South End light rail station in Charlotte. She had recently relocated from Ukraine, where she had endured the hardships of Russia’s ongoing invasion, and was described by loved ones as “hoping for a new beginning.”

Iryna Zarutska, 23, was found dead at 9.55pm on Friday at South End light rail station (pictured) in North Carolina

Family members expressed devastation over her death, calling it an irreparable loss. A fundraiser has since been launched to support Zarutska’s aunt, Valeria, and to cover unexpected expenses.

Police quickly arrested 34-year-old Decarlos Brown, who has been charged with first-degree murder. Authorities reported that Brown sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to a hospital. Court records show that Brown, who is reportedly homeless, has a history of arrests dating back to 2011, including charges of felony larceny, robbery with a dangerous weapon, and communicating threats, though many of those charges were later dropped.

A 34-year-old suspect, Decarlos Brown, was arrested shortly after police arrived on the scene

Officials have not confirmed what led to the stabbing. The incident has sparked safety concerns among Charlotte residents. Councilman Edwin Peacock said the killing has shaken public confidence in local transit. “The story is heart-wrenching, and if what we’re hearing is true, clearly we need to give that family answers. And more importantly, we need to give all the citizens who are riding the light rail a lot of confidence that you’re going to be safe,” he said.

Zarutska’s death highlights the dangers faced by refugees seeking safety abroad as the war in Ukraine continues. Russia’s invasion, launched in 2022, has displaced millions of Ukrainians. Just last week, discussions about potential peace talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky surfaced, though Moscow has signaled that no such summit is imminent. Ukraine’s Air Force confirmed that Russia launched 104 strike and decoy drones on Sunday night, targeting the country’s northern and eastern regions.

The woman had only recently moved to the US from Ukraine in an effort to escape the ongoing war with Russia