Newly released surveillance footage sheds light on the moments following the fatal stabbing of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska aboard a light rail train in North Carolina. The video captures the alleged killer, Decarlos Brown Jr., leisurely walking away from the crime scene on August 22. The footage, obtained by the New York Post and published on October 18, shows Brown holding a distinctive red hoodie, believed to be worn during the stabbing, as he wanders around a train platform in Charlotte. Bystanders can be seen exiting the Lynx Blue Line train car, calling for help as Brown makes his escape.
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In another video obtained by the outlet, Brown is seen crossing the street to a different platform, where he appears to be smoking a cigarette and talking to himself. Shortly after, four police officers rush towards him, tackle him to the ground, and proceed to handcuff him while searching his belongings. Zarutska, aged 23, was tragically stabbed to death while on a Charlotte Area Transit System light rail train shortly before 10 p.m. local time on that fateful evening. Previous footage of the incident revealed a passenger sitting behind her suddenly stand up and launch a brutal attack.
According to an affidavit obtained by ABC News, the suspect pulled out a knife, unfolded it, and struck Zarutska three times without any prior interaction between them. Blood was visibly seen dripping on the floor as Brown walked away from the victim, who became unresponsive shortly after the assault. Brown was subsequently charged with first-degree murder by federal prosecutors on August 28 and now faces the grim possibility of the death penalty for his alleged heinous act. The Justice Department announced on September 9 that Brown would also be charged with committing an act causing death on a mass transportation system.
The accused had a history of convictions for armed robbery, felony larceny, and breaking and entering in a separate incident. His mother mentioned to the media that Brown was grappling with homelessness and mental health issues at the time of the stabbing. Zarutska, originally from Kyiv, had immigrated to the United States with her family to seek refuge from the war in their homeland. Described as a kind and hardworking young woman, she dreamt of a career as a Veterinary Assistant and was actively working towards her independence by learning to drive.
In the aftermath of the chilling attack, Zarutska’s family, devastated by the loss, has urged the media to refrain from circulating the distressing video of the incident. U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina, Russ Ferguson, condemned the senseless violence, labeling it as an affront to the American way of life. He emphasized the importance of ensuring justice for Zarutska and her grieving loved ones. The release of the video of the stabbing sparked discussions on crime in cities and policies regarding criminal justice, highlighting the need for continued attention and action in tackling such horrific incidents.
The tragic fate that befell Iryna Zarutska serves as a somber reminder of the vulnerabilities that individuals, especially refugees, may face in society. As the investigation into this heart-wrenching crime continues, the call for justice for Zarutska echoes loudly, underscoring the importance of upholding safety and security for all members of the community.