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.
Crime
Venezuelan national Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis shot in the leg by an immigration agent in Minneapolis
On January 14, 2025, federal law enforcement personnel were engaged in a targeted enforcement operation involving Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, a Venezuelan national who has been present in the United States since 2022.
The operation escalated into a high-speed pursuit, a physical confrontation, and an ambush by multiple subjects, necessitating the use of a defensive firearm discharge by a federal agent.
At approximately 6:50 PM, federal officers initiated a targeted traffic stop of a vehicle operated by Sosa-Celis.
The subject refused to comply with law enforcement commands and attempted to flee the scene.
During the pursuit, the subject’s vehicle collided with a stationary, parked car.
Following the collision, the subject abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene on foot.
A federal agent pursued the suspect on foot and successfully intercepted him. As the agent attempted to effect an arrest, the subject became combative, resulting in a violent struggle on the ground.
During this confrontation, two additional male subjects emerged from a nearby residence to intervene.
These individuals reportedly ambushed the agent, utilizing a snow shovel and a broom handle to strike the officer.
The situation escalated when the primary suspect, Sosa-Celis, regained his footing and joined the two additional subjects in the assault.
Reports indicate the suspect struck the agent with a blunt object (identified as either the shovel or broom handle).
Citing an immediate threat to his life while being outnumbered and actively assaulted by three individuals, the agent discharged his service weapon in self-defense.
The discharge struck Sosa-Celis in the lower extremity (leg). Following the shot, all three suspects retreated into a nearby apartment complex and initiated a barricade situation.
Following a brief standoff, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) successfully secured the perimeter and apprehended all three individuals without further injury.
Both the federal agent and Sosa-Celis were transported to a local medical facility for treatment.
Images from the scene showed Sosa-Celis conscious and alert during transport.
All three subjects involved in the assault are currently in the custody of ICE.
Further charges related to the assault on a federal officer and resisting arrest are pending review by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.