Suspect in North Carolina train stabbing of Ukrainian refugee could face death penalty.

Decarlos Brown Jr., a 34-year-old man accused of fatally stabbing Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska aboard a light rail train in Charlotte, North Carolina, has been formally indicted on a federal charge that could potentially lead to the death penalty if he is found guilty. The indictment was filed earlier this week in federal district court, charging Brown with violence against a railroad carrier and mass transportation system resulting in death, as reported by Media News Source.

On August 22, 2025, Zarutska, 23, was traveling on the Lynx Blue Line after completing her shift at a local pizzeria. According to family members, she had texted her boyfriend shortly before the incident, indicating she would be home soon. The prosecutor’s case alleges that Brown “intentionally killed” Zarutska during the train ride, a claim corroborated by jurors who evaluated the evidence.

Surveillance footage from the train shows Zarutska entering the car and sitting directly in front of Brown. Just minutes after she settled in, Brown reportedly drew a knife from his pocket and launched a violent attack on her. Witness accounts and the video evidence document the moment Zarutska collapsed onto the train floor, where first responders later pronounced her dead.

Law enforcement officials confirmed that there was no prior interaction between Brown and Zarutska before the stabbing incident. Following the attack, Brown was apprehended on the outbound platform of the Lynx Blue Line at the station where the assault occurred.

In response to the indictment, Lauren Newton, the attorney representing Zarutska’s family, expressed satisfaction with the legal proceedings, stating that the family eagerly anticipates obtaining swift justice for their loved one. Contrarily, Brown’s attorney has refrained from commenting on the matter, maintaining a low profile amid the ongoing case.

This tragic event has raised significant public concern regarding safety on public transportation systems, and the judicial process surrounding the case is likely to attract widespread attention as it progresses. With potential implications extending beyond the immediate parties involved, this incident underscores critical discussions around violence and justice in America, particularly in the context of vulnerable individuals in public spaces.