CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte is mourning the loss of Iryna Zarutska, 23, a young woman who was fatally stabbed last week on the Lynx Blue Line light rail. Zarutska had recently fled war-torn Ukraine, seeking a new beginning in Charlotte, and her untimely death has shaken the local community.
According to authorities, the incident occurred on Friday, August 22, 2025, when Zarutska was attacked aboard the light rail. Emergency responders were called to the scene, but tragically, Zarutska succumbed to her injuries. Friends and family quickly set up a GoFundMe campaign to assist with funeral arrangements and to honor her life, describing her as a young woman striving for a fresh start in the United States after escaping the conflict in her homeland.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department has identified Decarlos Brown, Jr. as the suspect in the stabbing. Brown was reportedly injured during the attack and is currently hospitalized. Officials confirm that he will face first-degree murder charges once released from medical care. Court records indicate that Brown had prior run-ins with law enforcement, including an arrest related to misuse of 911 services.
The Charlotte community has expressed shock and sorrow over the brutal attack, especially given Zarutska’s recent immigration journey and her hopes for a peaceful life in her new city. Police are urging anyone with additional information about the incident to come forward to aid in the investigation.
Zarutska’s story highlights the vulnerability of immigrants seeking safety and stability in new countries, and her loss serves as a reminder of the importance of community support, awareness, and vigilance. Tributes pouring in through social media and local organizations have emphasized her courage, resilience, and the promise she carried as she began her life in Charlotte.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the stabbing and are coordinating with the prosecutor’s office to ensure that justice is pursued. The Mecklenburg community is left grieving the tragic loss of Iryna Zarutska, a young woman whose life and potential were cruelly cut short.
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