Iryna Zarutska’s family have been left “heartbroken beyond words” after she was killed in a seemingly random stabbing onboard a train in America.
On August 22, Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska boarded the CATS Blue Line in Charlotte, North Carolina. She was scrolling on her phone whilst wearing headphones, unaware of what was about to happen when Decarlos Brown Jr. sat behind her.
“The train travels for approximately four-and-a-half minutes before the suspect pulls [a] knife from his pocket, unfolds the knife, pauses, then stands up, and strikes at the victim three times,” a police detective wrote, according to an affidavit seen by CNN.
After the attack, with passengers rushing to Iryna’s aid, Decarlos ventured towards the door and waited there until the next stop. The police arrested him at the next stop, and the folding knife murder weapon was taken in as evidence as Iryna was declared dead at the scene. Footage of the attack has since been widely shared by the Charlotte Area Transit System.
“The video of the heartbreaking attack that took Iryna Zarutska’s life is now public,” Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles said. “This was a senseless and tragic loss. My prayers remain with her loved ones as they continue to grieve through an unimaginable time.”
Credit: Charlotte Area Transit System)
Iryna Zarutska’s family have spoken out
Alongside her mother, younger sister, and brother, Iryna Zarutska fled the war in Ukraine for a new life in the United States. She worked at a local pizza resturant in Charlotte, and following the heartbreaking attack, her family have spoken to reporters about the loss.
“We are heartbroken beyond words. Iryna came here to find peace and safety, and instead her life was stolen from her in the most horrific way,” a family spokesperson said in a statement issued by lawyers. “No family should have to go through this.”
A GoFundMe has since been launched to support Iryna’s family and pay for funeral expenses, and it’s already raised $75k.
Credit: Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office
“Ira 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. This is an irreparable loss for her family,” the GoFundMe reads.
Decarlos Brown Jr, who allegedly has an extensive criminal history, has since been charged with first-degree murder. He could now be facing the death penalty.
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Featured image credit: Facebook/Charlotte Area Transit System
