Iryna Zarutska: Remembering the Life Behind a Headline
She left Kyiv for safety and a future in Charlotte. On Aug. 22, 2025, a random attack on the Blue Line took her life — and forced the city to confront transit safety and mental-health failures.
Who Was Iryna Zarutska?
Friends and family describe Iryna Zarutska as practical, hopeful, and stubborn in the best way. She left Kyiv, Ukraine in 2022 as Russia’s invasion intensified, joining relatives in Charlotte to start over. She found community, steady routines, and the everyday independence of public transit. She was 23.
What Happened on the Blue Line
On Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, Iryna boarded a northbound Lynx Blue Line train at the East/West Boulevard station. Surveillance footage shows she sat in an aisle seat. A man — later identified by police as Decarlos Dejuan Brown Jr., 34 — sat directly behind her. For approximately four and a half minutes, there was no interaction. Then he unfolded a pocket-knife and struck her three times, including once to the neck. She collapsed. Police detained the suspect on the platform minutes later.
“This brutal attack on an innocent woman simply trying to get to her destination is an attack on the American way of life… Iryna deserves justice, and we will bring justice to her and her family.”— U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson
What Changed Because of Iryna
City leaders moved quickly to re-deploy security on the Blue Line and increase CMPD patrols at key transit locations. CATS announced it would increase fare inspections, install ticket validators on platforms, and add bike units and urban-terrain vehicles to expand coverage on and around the line.
“As I reflect on the tragic murder of Iryna Zarutska… effective immediately, CATS security personnel will be re-deployed for a stronger presence on Blue Line platforms.”— Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles
“We need more cops on the beat to keep people safe.”— Governor Josh Stein
Charges and the Path to Justice
- State case: Brown was charged with first-degree murder and remains in custody.
- Federal case (Sept. 9, 2025): The U.S. Justice Department charged Brown with committing an act causing death on a mass transportation system, an offense that can carry life imprisonment or the death penalty.
“We will seek the maximum penalty for this unforgivable act of violence.”— U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi
Timeline
- Aug. 22, 2025: Stabbing on the Lynx Blue Line near East/West Blvd. Suspect detained on the platform.
- Aug. 23: CMPD identifies the victim as Iryna Zarutska; first-degree murder charge announced.
- Sept. 3: CATS tells the Metro Transit Commission it will increase fare enforcement and add platform validators.
- Sept. 5: CATS releases surveillance video of the attack; national attention spikes.
- Sept. 9: DOJ files federal charge; city details security redeployments and patrol increases.
Why It Matters
Iryna’s killing forced Charlotte to confront overlapping realities: gaps in transit security and fare enforcement, repeat-offender and mental-health failures, and the civic stakes of a growing city that depends on reliable, safe public transportation.
“Clearly, our current safety policies are not enough.”— Council Member Dimple Ajmera
Support Iryna’s Family
A verified community fundraiser has helped with funeral expenses and family support.
FAQ
Who was Iryna Zarutska?
A 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee living in Charlotte since 2022. She relied on the Blue Line for everyday mobility.
Where did the attack occur?
On a Lynx Blue Line train near the East/West Boulevard station in South End.
What has the city changed?
Security redeployments on the Blue Line, increased CMPD patrols, and CATS initiatives on fare enforcement, validators, and specialized patrol units.
What are the charges?
State: first-degree murder. Federal: committing an act causing death on a mass transportation system (life or death-eligible upon conviction).
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