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
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.