Iryna Zarutska, 23
Ukrainian refugee who had fled the war, working at a pizzeria in Charlotte. Riding the Lynx Blue Line home from her shift.
- Original chargeMisuse of 911 systemJanuary 15, 2025
- ReleasedWritten promise to appear (no bail)January 15, 2025
- 219 days laterMurderAugust 22, 2025
What happened
Brown pulled a folding knife from his hoodie and stabbed Zarutska three times from behind, including in the neck, as she sat looking at her phone on the train. She died at the scene. The attack was captured on surveillance video.
The release decision
On January 15, 2025, Decarlos Brown Jr. was charged with misuse of 911 system. Magistrate Judge Teresa Stokes ordered the release on January 15, 2025. Terms: written promise to appear (no bail). Prosecutors had asked for detention pending mental health evaluation. The defendant had 14 prior arrests at the time.
The defendant's record
14 prior arrests including armed robbery, larceny, assault, communicating threats. Diagnosed with schizophrenia. Previously incarcerated.
Sources
- Killing of Iryna Zarutska, Wikipedia
- NC judge reconsiders bond policy after repeat offender caught on camera fatally stabbing Iryna Zarutska, QC News
- Congressman Tim Moore Leads Letter Demanding the Removal of Judge Who Freed Suspect, U.S. House of Representatives
- United States v. Brown — W.D.N.C. docket 3:25-cr-00300 (federal companion case), CourtListener / PACER