A video shows a 23 -year -old Ukrainian refugees being stabbed to death on a train in the city of Charlotte, in the state of North Carolina in the USA – A case that has become a critical point, as the Trump government promises to repress the crime in large cities predominantly Democrats.
The unlocked attack occurred shortly before 10 pm (local time) on August 22, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg police department said. A person who called to the scene reported that a woman was stabbed in her throat.
The victim, Iyna Zarutska, fled Ukraine in 2022 with her mother, sister and brother to escape – “and she quickly embraced her new life in the United States,” says the obituary.
“Blood drips visibly on the floor as the defendant moves away from the victim. The victim gets unconscious shortly after the attack. The defendant is the aggressor in the video. There seems to be no interaction between the victim and the defendant,” says the statement.
The suspect, 34 -year -old Decarlos Brown was taken to a hospital to treat a laceration and accused of first -degree murder.
A judge ordered Brown to be evaluated for 60 days in a local hospital. THE CNN You are trying to contact his lawyer for comments.
The suspect has a long criminal history, including convictions for armed theft, qualified theft and home invasion.
He spent more than eight years arrested for theft with dangerous weapon, show state records.
Earlier this year, Brown was accused of misuse of 911 (US emergency service telephone) after allegedly asked police to investigate a “artificial” material that controlled their diet, walk and speak, according to court documents.
The police told him that “the problem was a doctor” and that there was nothing more they could do. Brown was annoyed and called 911 again, according to the case.
Debate on Murder Image Sharing
Charlotte’s Democratic Mayor, Vi Lyles, provided condolences and was criticized for reactions to the murder.
Her initial statement, days after Zarutska’s death, did not identify the victim, but focused on the suspect, lack of housing and mental illness.
“Firstly, my thoughts and prayers are with the young woman’s family and friends. This is a tragic situation that exposes problems with mental health -related social safety networks and the systems that should be in force,”
“Although I do not know the details of the man’s medical record, what I understand is that he has been fighting mental health problems for a long time and seems to have gone through a crisis,” said the mayor.
“I want to make it clear that I’m not denigrating those who fight against mental health or those who are homeless,” she continued. “In addition, those who are homeless are more often victims of crime and not perpetrators. […] We, as a community, should do better for those members of our community who need help and have nowhere to go. ”
The mayor identified the victim in a publication on social networks more than a week later.
“The video of the devastating attack that has taken the life of Iyna Zarutska is now public. I want to thank our media partners and community members who chose not to republish or share the filming in respect to Iyna’s family,” she wrote on Saturday (6). “Like many of you, I have my heart broken – and I have reflected a lot about how security really manifests itself in our city. I am still committed to doing everything we can to protect our residents and ensure that Charlotte is a place where everyone feels safe.”
The video of the heartbreaking attack that took Iryna Zarutska’s life is now public. I want to thank our media partners and community members who have chosen not to repost or share the footage out of respect for Iryna’s family.
This was a senseless and tragic loss. My prayers…
— Mayor Vi Lyles (@CLTMayor)
US Transport Secretary Sean Duffy has criticized the mayor’s response harshly.
“Charlotte’s mayor doesn’t want the media to show the naked and raw truth. Why? Because she and other civil servants in her city are responsible,” Duffy published on Sunday (7).
Duffy also harshly criticized local authorities, citing the suspect’s criminal record.
“By not punishing it properly, Charlotte failed with Iyna Zarutska and the residents of North Carolina.”
Charlotte’s Mayor doesn’t want the media to show you the ugly truth. Why? Because she and other public officials in her city bear responsibility.
This monster had a track record longer than a CVS receipt, including prison time for robbery with a dangerous weapon, breaking and…
— Secretary Sean Duffy (@SecDuffy)
Stephen Miller, White House’s Cabinet chief for public policy, published about stabbing social networks and criticized the main media outlets for what he described as a lack of coverage.
A CNN contacted the White House for comments.
Violent crimes fell 25%, show half of the year statistics
In the first half of this year, “Charlotte had a 25% reduction in violent crimes, including homicides, rapes, theft and aggravated aggression, including shootings,” said Charlotte-Mecklenburg police department.
General crime decreased 8%, the department said.
The data, released in July, compare violent crimes from January to June 2025 with the same period last year.
“I am extremely proud of our police, who are in our neighborhoods daily, interacting with the community, observing suspicious activities and providing our detectives the crucial information needed to arrest violent criminals,” said Ryan Butler under chief in July.
Zarutska was stabbed into Charlotte’s South End, a neighborhood that turned into a luxury apartment area, restaurants, shops and breweries – driven by the debut of the VLT system, light rail vehicles in 2007.
Victim fled violence in Ukraine and was killed in the United States
Despite the horrors in his home country, Zarutska “had a golden heart,” a family friend told WCNC, affiliated with CNN.
“She was always very helpful and supported me a lot,” he reported, identified only as Lonnie. “She was a love. And I’m bad to think she’s gone.”
Lonnie described those Zarutska suffered and the agony of not knowing “if you are going to live or breathe another day.”
She found refuge in Charlotte, where she lost her life. “It’s very, very disgusting and sad that we have so much evil in our society today,” said Lonnie.
