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
Walls Police Officer Da’Quarius Burton Injured in Deadly Mississippi Crash, Mother Confirms He Is Alive and Safe
DESOTO COUNTY, Mississippi — Walls Police Officer Da’Quarius Burton was injured in a deadly two-vehicle collision on U.S. Highway 61 in DeSoto County, Mississippi, but his mother has confirmed that he is alive, safe and recovering following the crash.
Burton, 27, of Memphis, Tennessee, was driving a Dodge Durango involved in the collision shortly after 8 p.m. Wednesday at the intersection of U.S. Highway 61 and Church Road in Walls.
The crash claimed the lives of three people traveling in a Honda Accord. The incident also left another passenger injured and involved employees of the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office Juvenile Detention Center.
Following the crash, misinformation circulated online suggesting that Burton had died and that he was a juvenile detention officer.
His mother, Tee Burton, publicly addressed the reports, firmly correcting the information and asking people to stop sharing unverified claims.
She confirmed that her son is alive, safe and okay. She also emphasized that he is not a juvenile detention officer.
In her statement, she expressed disappointment over reports falsely identifying her son as one of the people who died in the collision.
She also acknowledged the families who lost loved ones and urged the public to show compassion toward everyone affected by the tragedy.
Her statement included the following message:
“My son is alive!!! He is safe, and he is okay!!!”
She further asked people to verify information before publishing or reposting details that could cause unnecessary emotional distress to families.
According to the Mississippi Highway Patrol, a northbound Dodge Durango traveling on U.S. Highway 61 collided with a westbound Honda Accord traveling on Church Road.
Three occupants of the Honda were pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities identified the victims as:
- Latasha N. Dodson, 37, of Horn Lake, Mississippi, the Honda driver.
- Eddie L. Dodson Jr., 41, of Byhalia, Mississippi.
- Tamenshia R. Ford, 32, of Horn Lake, Mississippi.
Burton and another passenger in the Honda survived the collision but sustained injuries and were transported to a local hospital. Their specific medical conditions have not been publicly detailed in the information provided.
The DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that two people involved in the crash were employees of its Juvenile Detention Center.
One of those employees was Tamenshia R. Ford, who died in the collision. The second employee was seriously injured.
Sheriff Thomas E. Tuggle II expressed condolences following the death of the employee, describing the person as a respected and beloved member of the department.
“Our fallen officer was a respected and beloved member of our team,” Tuggle said.
The sheriff’s office also recognized the employee’s dedication, compassion and commitment to working with young people entrusted to the facility’s care.
State officials confirmed that the Dodge Durango involved in the collision belonged to the Walls Police Department.
The city’s mayor and police chief also confirmed that a Walls police officer was involved in the crash. Burton’s mother has since clarified that her son is the officer and that he survived.
An SUV displaying Walls Police Department identification was seen being towed from the crash scene Wednesday night.
The Mississippi Highway Patrol is leading the investigation into the fatal collision.
Investigators are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash. Authorities have not released additional details about what led to the vehicles colliding.
The crash resulted in three deaths and left multiple people injured. Burton’s family has asked the public to respect the victims and their loved ones while avoiding the spread of false information.
The investigation remains ongoing.