Ukrainian woman, 23, fatally stabbed in North Carolina after fleeing to US to escape war

A 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee, Iryna Zarutska, was stabbed to death on Aug. 22 in North Carolina, in the U.S.

The New York Post reported that Zarutska was pronounced dead at the East/West Boulevard light rail station in South End, Charlotte just before 10pm. She suffered multiple stab wounds.

Details of the attack

According to a case update by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), officers responded to an Assault with a Deadly Weapon call for service shortly before 10pm on Aug. 22 in the 1800 block of Camden Road.

Upon arrival, officers discovered one victim with sustained knife wounds.

The Charlotte Observer reported that the CMPD declined comment on whether the stabbing happened on a train, on the platform, or nearby.

A GoFundMe page set up for Zarutska's aunt said Zarutska "had recently arrived in the United States, seeking safety from the war and hoping for a new beginning. Tragically, her life was cut short far too soon."

Suspect charged

According to the CMPD, Decarlos Brown Jr., 34, was identified as a suspect in this case.

Brown was transported to Atrium Health with non-life-threatening injuries sustained at the time of the incident.

A third party was also transported to Atrium Health at the time of the incident for a non-related medical event.

Brown will be arrested upon his release and has been charged with First Degree Murder.

Previous criminal record

According to court records obtained by the New York Post, Brown has been arrested multiple times since 2011 for felony larceny, robbery with a dangerous weapon, and communicating threats.

WSOC-TV, a television station in Charlotte, North Carolina, reported that Brown is homeless and served five years in prison for robbery with a deadly weapon charge. 

The Charlotte Observer noted that other past charges have been dropped and Brown also has pending charges for misuse of the 911 system in January following a police welfare check.

It revealed his troubling thoughts as Brown told authorities during the visit he believed someone had given him a “man-made” material that controlled when he ate, walked, and talked, according to an affidavit obtained by the newspaper.

“Brown wanted officers to investigate this ‘man-made’ material that was inside of his body,” the affidavit said.

Officers told Brown that he had a medical issue and there was nothing more they could do to help him.

Their response upset Brown and he called 911. He was arrested after he hung up the phone, according to The Charlotte Observer.

Police have yet to provide a reason for what led to the stabbing.

The CMPD said the investigation into this case is active and ongoing.

Top photo via GoFundMe & Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department