CATS has released surveillance video of the stabbing that took the life of a 23-year-old woman on the light rail in Charlotte last month.
WCNC Charlotte reports Decarlos Brown is facing first-degree murder in connection with the killing of Iryna Zarutska on Aug. 22. It happened around 10 p.m. near the light rail station along Camden Road where East Boulevard and West Boulevard meet in South End.
Zarutska’s death has ignited conversation over safety on Charlotte’s transit system and questions about the mental health system, the suspect’s state of mind and if there were any warning signs.
“I prefer the train mostly because I feel like there’s more security, more cameras, more people,” Charlotte resident Jessica Enwesi said. “With the bus, it’s sometimes like, if you’re the only one on the bus, have fun with that.”
Investigators say Zarutska was riding the Blue Line when Brown, who didn’t know her, stabbed her in the throat three times with a pocket knife. The two had no interaction before the stabbing, according to an affidavit.
“I was shocked to hear that. I was like, ‘really?’ because I just ride it hours before – I ride all the time. I have had words with people, but never violent,” shared Curtis Covington, a frequent CATS rider.
Another rider – who chose to remain anonymous – had a differing opinion. “I don’t feel safe riding public transportation but I have to go to work and get from point A to point B – but I don’t feel comfortable at all,” that rider explained.
CATS confirmed Brown did not have a ticket to ride the train. There was also no security present in the exact car where the attack happened.
Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles issued the following statement on Saturday:
“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.”
In the newly released video you see Brown sitting inside the train. He appears restless at times shifting in his seat but he did not do anything that appeared to alarm passengers or draw attention to himself. At some point, Zarustka enters the train car and she sits in front of Brown. She was wearing earbuds and looking at her phone in her seat.
Four minutes later, Brown pulled out what appeared to be a pocketknife and stabbed Zarutska multiple times in the neck. She collapsed as stunned passengers tried to react. Brown walked to the front of the train car, removed his sweater, and wrapped his hand before exiting the train, where police arrested him on the platform.
Loved ones say Zarutska, who recently fled Ukraine to escape the dangers of war, came to Charlotte seeking peace and new beginnings, but her story ended in tragedy.
“She was always very helpful, very supportive, and just had a heart of gold,” family friend Lonnie said. “She was a sweetheart. And it makes me sick to think that she’s gone.
Brown has been charged with murder, and his attorney has filed a motion to have his competency evaluated. Brown was also arrested back in January and was charged with misusing 911. In July, a motion has been filed in that case to have his competence evaluated.
Brown has 14 previous court cases in Mecklenburg County. He was sentenced to six years in North Carolina prison after convictions for robbery with a dangerous weapon, breaking and entering, and larceny in Mecklenburg County in 2015. The convictions were for two separate incidents in 2013 and 2014, according to jail records.
In the meantime, CATS said it has increased security and patrols along the Blue Line, particularly in the South End. While there were no officers on the exact train car where the attack occurred, CATS officials emphasized that security personnel were present on the train directly in front. Transit leaders said they continue to review safety protocols and are considering additional measures to better protect riders.
The agency has shared plans to upgrade its cameras, increase staffing and strengthen its partnership with CMPD. CATS says it is dealing with an increased number of unhoused people and individuals struggling with mental health on CATS public transit and property. The agency is working to expand its Connect program to connect those individuals with mental health support and other resources.
Brown was issued and served an indefinite exclusion from CATS property at the Mecklenburg County Detention Facility.
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