Suspect in fatal stabbing of Ukrainian refugee charged with federal crime

September 9, 2025

Decarlos Brown Jr. , a 34-year-old man suspected of fatally stabbing Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska on a Charlotte train, now faces federal charges that could result in the death penalty. The Justice Department has charged him with causing death on a mass transportation system in addition to the state's first-degree murder charge.

Who is affected

Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee who was killed
Zarutska's family, who fled Ukraine with her in 2022
Charlotte transit system users and residents
The city of Charlotte, which receives significant federal transit funding
Individuals with mental health issues in the criminal justice system

What action is being taken

Federal prosecutors are charging Brown with causing death on a mass transportation system
The Justice Department is seeking the maximum penalty for Brown
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is investigating Charlotte's transit system
Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles is pledging to increase patrols and police staffing on public transportation
Federal authorities are reviewing whether to withhold transit funding from Charlotte

Why it matters

The case has sparked national debate over crime rates in American cities
It raises questions about judicial release policies and treatment of individuals with criminal histories
The incident has attracted international attention, particularly in Ukraine
The attack highlights concerns about public transportation safety
Federal funding for Charlotte's transit system (approximately $50 million in 2023, covering 12% of operating budget and over half of capital costs) is potentially at risk

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC