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.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. — Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.