Footage from a Charlotte, North Carolina train shows the final moments before 23-year-old refugee Iryna Zarutska was fatally stabbed on August 22. The video captures suspect Decarlos Brown Jr. sitting quietly in a red hoodie before Zarutska boarded, took a seat in front of him, and looked at her phone. Moments later, Brown pulled something from his pocket and attacked her.
Zarutska, who fled the war in Ukraine with her family, was remembered as “a gifted artist and an animal lover.” Brown fled to the other end of the train, removed his hoodie, and was arrested minutes later.
Police said: “Brown was transported to Atrium Health with non-life-threatening injuries… He is charged with First Degree Murder.” He has a history of criminal activity and mental health issues. On August 29, a judge denied him bond and ordered a competency evaluation.
Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles said: “This was a senseless and tragic loss… My prayers remain with her loved ones… I remain committed to doing all we can to protect our residents.”
Former President Donald Trump called the incident “horrible.” The investigation is ongoing.
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