Crime
Extended Graphic Footage Shows Decarlos Brown Jr Fatally Stabbing Iryna Zarutska in Charlotte
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Newly released extended surveillance footage has shed further light on the fatal stabbing of 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska, a Ukrainian refugee, aboard Charlotte’s Lynx Blue Line light rail train on August 22, 2025.
The video, compiled from multiple synchronized camera angles, captures the horrifying sequence of events leading up to Zarutska’s death.
The footage shows the suspect, identified as Decarlos Brown Jr., 35, rising from his seat behind Zarutska and producing a pocketknife. Zarutska, who appears unaware of the imminent danger while using her phone, is attacked moments later.
Following the stabbing, the suspect is seen walking through the train with the weapon still in hand, leaving a trail of blood.
At one point, he removes a bloodied hoodie and calmly waits for the train to arrive at the next station before exiting. Passengers in the vicinity appear either unaware of the full extent of the violence or fail to intervene.
The incident, described as a “brutal and senseless act of violence,” has raised significant public concern.
Critics have accused political leaders and mainstream media outlets of minimizing coverage of the killing, despite its disturbing nature and the suspect’s extensive criminal history.
Brown, who is homeless, has more than a dozen prior convictions dating back to 2014, including a five-year sentence for armed robbery.
Records show he was released in 2020, re-arrested in 2021 for assaulting a family member, and despite his criminal record, remained free at the time of the killing.
Local officials have responded cautiously. Charlotte’s mayor publicly thanked media outlets that refrained from sharing the graphic video “out of respect for Iryna’s family.” However, the release has reignited debate over safety and crime on Charlotte’s public transit system.
City Council candidate Edwin B. Peacock shared his concerns in a public statement, emphasizing the urgent need for stricter safety measures on the light rail. “A week ago, 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska was brutally killed on Charlotte’s light rail. Her death is a tragedy we cannot ignore. Who’s riding without paying? Are they the ones causing problems? We need answers,” he wrote.
Former Matthews Mayor Jim Taylor echoed these concerns, warning that public confidence in the light rail system will continue to erode without decisive action from city and transit leaders.
At the time of her death, Zarutska was still wearing her uniform from Zepeddie’s Pizza, the Charlotte restaurant where she worked. The restaurant paid tribute to her in a heartfelt message:
“We lost not only an incredible employee, but a true friend. Our dear Iryna left this world far too soon, and our hearts are heavy with grief. Since her passing, we have kept a candle burning in her memory — a small reminder of the warmth, kindness, and light she brought into our lives every single day.”
The investigation into Zarutska’s killing remains ongoing. Brown is currently in custody facing murder charges.
Crime
Angela Johnson and Her Son DeAngelo Johnson Killed After Shooting Inside Home in Chicago, Mother’s Boyfriend in Custody
CHICAGO — A 47-year-old mother and her 27-year-old son were fatally shot inside a residence in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood on the West Side late Thursday night, September 24, 2026, according to Chicago police.
The victims were identified as Angela Johnson, 47, and DeAngelo Johnson, 27. Police said a suspect, identified as Angela Johnson’s boyfriend, was taken into custody following the shooting.
The deadly shooting happened in the 800 block of North Parkside Avenue at approximately 10:43 p.m. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots coming from the basement of the residence and called 911.
When Chicago police officers arrived, they found the two victims suffering from gunshot wounds.
Angela Johnson was found in the basement with a gunshot wound to her chest. Police-radio traffic indicated she had been shot on the right side of her chest.
DeAngelo Johnson was found on the first floor with multiple gunshot wounds. Radio traffic indicated that he had suffered two gunshot wounds to his back.
Both victims were initially unresponsive and in critical condition. Emergency personnel performed CPR on DeAngelo Johnson before both victims were transported to Mount Sinai Hospital, where they were pronounced dead.
According to police-radio traffic, one victim was pronounced dead at approximately 11:18 p.m., while the male victim was pronounced dead around 11:21 p.m.
Investigators found extensive evidence inside the residence, including approximately 23 shell casings in a basement bedroom. Additional shell casings were reportedly recovered in other areas of the basement, including the stairway, main room and bedroom.
Officers initially recovered a firearm and shell casings from the basement bedroom. Police later located a second firearm inside the home, bringing the total number of recovered firearms to two.
Authorities have not publicly stated who owned the firearms or confirmed which weapon, if either, was used in the fatal shooting.
Police also reported that DeAngelo Johnson was wearing an empty holster when officers found him on the first floor. That discovery prompted an officer-safety alert as officers searched the residence for the missing firearm.
Chicago police said the shooting appeared to be domestic-related and identified the alleged offender as the mother’s boyfriend.
Radio traffic indicated that a person had been detained by approximately 11:26 p.m. The official police report later confirmed that the known offender was taken into custody.
Two witnesses were reportedly available to identify the alleged offender, and officers conducted a show-up identification procedure near the scene.
Police have not released additional information about potential charges against the suspect.
The investigation into the Chicago Austin neighborhood double shooting remains ongoing. Detectives are continuing to examine the circumstances that led to the shooting, the relationship between the people involved and the role of the two recovered firearms.
The deaths of Angela Johnson and DeAngelo Johnson are being investigated as a double homicide.