Crime
Graphic footage shows Decarlos Brown Jr fatally stabbing Iryna Zarutska in Charlotte
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — New surveillance footage has emerged showing the fatal stabbing of 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska aboard a Charlotte light rail train, raising urgent concerns about public transit safety and repeat violent offenders.
The incident occurred on August 22 aboard the Lynx Blue Line.
The video, released by authorities, captures multiple synchronized angles of the attack. In the footage, the suspect, identified as Decarlos Brown Jr., 35, can be seen seated directly behind Zarutska before unfolding a pocketknife.
Zarutska, unaware of the looming danger, was using her phone when Brown allegedly stabbed her without warning.
After the stabbing, Brown is seen walking through the train while carrying the weapon, leaving blood on the floor.
At one point, he removes his bloody hoodie and waits calmly for the train to stop before exiting. Witnesses appeared unaware of the severity of what had just occurred.
Zarutska collapsed on board and was later pronounced dead. At the time of the attack, she was still wearing her uniform from Zepeddie’s Pizza, where she had been working.
Her employer released a heartfelt statement mourning her death:
“Recently our Zepeddie’s family suffered a tremendous loss. 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.”
Court records show Brown has a lengthy criminal history, with more than a dozen arrests and convictions since 2014. He previously served a five-year sentence for armed robbery and was released in September 2020.
Just months later, he was arrested for assaulting his sister in Charlotte.
Despite this record, Brown was free at the time of Zarutska’s killing.
Brown, who is reported to be homeless, is now charged with murder.
The murder has sparked sharp criticism of public safety on Charlotte’s transit system. Community leaders and political figures have called for stronger measures to protect riders.
Charlotte City Council candidate Edwin B. Peacock emphasized the need for accountability in transit security, posting:
“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.”
Former Matthews Mayor Jim Taylor echoed concerns, saying:
“I’m deeply disappointed in what’s been happening and the loss of focus on making the light rail welcoming and safe to travelers. It’s only going to get worse until the City of Charlotte and the Metropolitan Transit Commission get serious about addressing the root cause.”
Meanwhile, Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles expressed condolences and urged restraint in sharing the graphic video, thanking media outlets and community members who have refrained from reposting it out of respect for Zarutska’s family.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department continues to investigate the killing.
Authorities have not publicly confirmed details about possible motives.
City of Hammond, Louisiana — At approximately 11:50 p.m. on February 24, 2026, officers with the Hammond Police Department responded to a report of shots fired involving one possible victim.
Upon arrival, officers located a 14-year-old juvenile female, identified as Tyronai Reed, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.
Emergency medical assistance was rendered at the scene, and she was transported to North Oaks Health System for treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Reed later succumbed to her injuries.
Detectives assigned to the department’s Criminal Investigations Division launched an immediate homicide investigation.
During the course of their investigation, authorities identified 18-year-old Demontez Treyvon “Trey” Robinson of Hammond as a suspect in the shooting.
While actively working the case, officers observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed and conducted a traffic stop.
Robinson was identified as the driver of the vehicle and was taken into custody without incident.
Robinson was transported to the Criminal Investigations Division for questioning. According to investigators, Robinson admitted that the firearm discharged while he was handling or “playing with” it, resulting in the single round striking the 14-year-old victim.
Robinson was subsequently booked into the Hammond City Jail on one count of Negligent Homicide.
Authorities emphasize that the investigation remains in its early stages and additional details may be released as they become available.
Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Corey Morse with the Hammond Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at 985-277-5758 or via email at morse_cm@hammond.org. Tips may also be submitted through the department’s official Facebook page or anonymously through Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa at 1-800-554-5245.
Individuals providing information may be eligible for a cash reward. Authorities urge members of the community to assist in the ongoing investigation.