Charlotte, NC — A heartbreaking video has been released showing the final moments of 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska, who was stabbed to death on the Charlotte light rail late last month.
🚨 The Attack
The footage, captured by onboard surveillance cameras, shows Iryna quietly sitting on the train, scrolling through her phone. Just minutes later, a man identified as 34-year-old Decarlos Brown Jr. suddenly pulls a knife and attacks her without warning. She is stabbed multiple times, including a fatal wound to her neck.
As blood begins to spread, Iryna is seen clutching her throat and collapsing in her seat. Passengers nearby appear frozen in shock, while her attacker walks toward the exit.
🚨 Who Was Iryna?
Iryna had fled Ukraine in 2022 to escape the war, moving to Charlotte with hopes of safety and a new beginning. Friends describe her as a bright, kind young woman who loved art and dreamed of building a future in America.
🚨 Outrage & Grief
The release of the footage has reignited grief for Iryna’s family and anger across the community. Many are outraged that such a brutal act could happen in a public space — and that bystanders appeared too stunned to step in.
Her death has raised tough questions about public transit security, mental health treatment, and repeat offenders. Brown, who has a history of arrests and schizophrenia, now faces federal charges that could carry life in prison or even the death penalty.
🚨 Global Reaction
The video has gone viral worldwide, with many pointing out the cruel irony: Iryna escaped war, only to lose her life in what should have been a safe place.
👉 What do you think — should the video have been released for transparency, or should it have remained private out of respect for her family?
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