New Footage of Murder of Ukrainian Refugee in Charlotte
Recently released footage shows the tragic scene of a Ukrainian refugee’s murder in Charlotte, North Carolina, capturing the efforts of bystanders who tried to assist her as she lay bleeding on the floor of a public train.
On the night of August 22, passengers rushed to Iryna Zarutska’s aid after she was fatally stabbed, as depicted in the newly available video clip shared on Tuesday. The suspect, identified as a mentally ill homeless man with a long criminal background, is facing both local and federal charges. The Department of Justice announced this potential federal case on Tuesday.
A U.S. attorney for the Western District of North Carolina mentioned that Zarutska’s family stated she would be buried in the U.S. because she had a deep love for America.
The alleged attacker, DeCarlos Brown, was captured on surveillance video sitting behind Zarutska before he suddenly stood up and stabbed her multiple times. The 23-year-old Zarutska reacted in shock as he moved away, and blood began to flow from her wounds.
As the situation escalated, passengers surrounded Zarutska, who was in a grave state. A young man was observed lifting her onto his back in an attempt to help, while others expressed their alarm with exclamations of disbelief.
In the chaotic moments, a man and a woman worked to treat her wounds with their clothing. Witnesses reported seeing Zarutska reposition herself for more space while waiting for emergency responders to arrive.
Zarutska moved to the United States with her family in 2022 to escape turmoil caused by the Russian invasion. Her family selected the U.S. as her final resting place, emphasizing her fondness for the country, according to U.S. attorney Russ Ferguson.
Brown has a history of at least 14 arrests, including an incident in January concerning misuse of the 911 system during one of his episodes. His mother spoke with local media, expressing concerns over his aggressive behavior and argued he shouldn’t be free on the streets.
The DOJ indicated that civil rights charges for the murder are still a possibility. Attorney General Pam Bondy emphasized their commitment to pursuing the harshest penalties for this horrific act of violence, assuring that Brown will not see freedom again.
