The family of 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska is demanding accountability following her fatal stabbing on a light rail train in Charlotte, North Carolina, last month.
Zarutska, who had come to the United States seeking safety, was attacked and killed in an incident that was caught on video and has drawn widespread outrage.
NEW: The family of Iryna Zarutska has declined to have her body returned to Ukraine, says she would have wanted to be buried in the U.S. because "she loved America."
"After Iryna's death, the embassy in Ukraine called and said, 'We'll help you bring her home.'""Her family said… pic.twitter.com/OfrRVWJAIx— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) September 9, 2025
Zarutska’s family issued a statement through their attorneys describing their grief and calling for systemic changes in the city’s approach to public safety.
“We are heartbroken beyond words. Iryna came here to find peace and safety, and instead her life was stolen from her in the most horrific way,” the family spokesperson said in a statement provided to WSOC-9.
Here's What They're Not Telling You About Your Retirement
“No family should have to go through this.”
#NEW: Thru an attorney the family of Iryna Zarutska is speaking out.In part they say, ““We are heartbroken beyond words. Iryna came here to find peace and safety, and instead her life was stolen from her in the most horrific way. No family should have to go through this.”
— Hunter Sáenz (@Hunt_Saenz) September 9, 2025
The alleged attacker, 34-year-old Decarlos Brown Jr., has a lengthy criminal record.
Authorities confirmed he had been arrested 14 times prior to the deadly stabbing.
Court records also indicated he suffered from schizophrenia.
This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year
Despite his history, Brown had been released from jail in January under terms that family members of both the victim and the suspect say failed to protect the public.
Brown’s brother, Jeremiah, said he believed the tragedy could have been avoided if stronger measures had been in place.
“I think they could have pretty much prevented it then,” Jeremiah told the New York Post, referring to the decision by a magistrate judge to release Brown earlier this year.
Jeremiah expressed both concern and frustration with the justice system, noting that his brother remained a danger despite his mental health challenges.
“He could do it again. They should still treat him for his mental issues but there are consequences for his actions,” he said.
“I think he should suffer the consequences.”
He also offered condolences to Zarutska’s family, adding, “I hope for the family impacted by the lady on the train. I hope they get the support they need.”
Video evidence from the incident reportedly shows Brown sitting directly behind Zarutska for several minutes before pulling out a knife and stabbing her repeatedly.
The attack, which unfolded in full view of passengers, was described by investigators as unprovoked and random.
In their statement, Zarutska’s relatives urged prosecutors not only to pursue the case aggressively but also to confront what they described as a “broader crisis in public safety and systemic failure.”
They also asked the public and media outlets to refrain from circulating the disturbing footage of the killing, citing concerns for her dignity and the family’s ongoing trauma.
Local prosecutors have filed charges against Brown, and federal authorities have also stepped in.
On Tuesday, the Justice Department announced additional charges against Brown for committing an act causing death on a mass transportation system.
The case has intensified calls for reform in Charlotte’s criminal justice system, with critics pointing to repeated lapses that allowed a violent offender with a long record to remain free.
As Zarutska’s family presses for justice, they continue to highlight not only their personal loss but also the need for broader accountability to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The Real MOU: What Trump’s Iran Agreement Actually Says – Truth Thursday | EP 677
Join the Discussion
COMMENTS POLICY: We have no tolerance for messages of violence, racism, vulgarity, obscenity or other such discourteous behavior. Thank you for contributing to a respectful and useful online dialogue.
It is the Judge (Magistrate) who let this mutt go who should be going to prison for negligent abetting of homicide. The worthless perp should spend the rest of his worthless life in an insane asylum, or even better, put out of his misery.
That is not her blood dripping on the floor. It is his. The fool cut himself.
…and I suppose Charlie Kirk wasn’t shot in the throat and died?????
You must be blind.Better see an opthalmologist
There can be no decent level of “Justice” for Iryna – that time passed when Decarlos Brown Jr was allowed his “Freedom” back in January thereby tragically sealing her fate.
Hindsight is rarely favourable to victims – for them it comes far too late.
There should however, be a time for ACCOUNTABILITY – for with the powers assigned by LAW comes great responsibility and there can be NO easy shuffling off of liability and condemnation for their actions or INactions that lead up to this vile seemingly racist atrocity !
Decarlos Brown Jr MUST receive the death penalty.
I agree, but ONLY after he has been judged “Guilty” of this foul murder. We must not descend to his level of treachery – The Law is still worthy of upholding – even with its detractors.
They should sue all the judges who allowed this demon to walk free.Until these judges have someone attack their family they would continue to make assinine decisions.Hiweberbthry will report to a higher judge one day
Nothing is more certain than that Polly – The Very Highest of Judges !