Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska, 23, was tragically killed in a random stabbing while riding the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) Blue Line train in North Carolina.

Having fled the war in Ukraine with her family, Zarutska had sought safety in the United States. Her life was cut short in what authorities describe as an unprovoked attack.

Police identified the suspect as Decarlos Brown Jr., who was seated directly behind Zarutska on the train. Without any prior interaction, he allegedly stabbed her in the neck.

Disturbing surveillance footage released by CATS captured Zarutska listening to music and looking at her phone in her final moments. Seconds later, the suspect carried out the assault.

Witnesses described chaos on the train as passengers scrambled for safety. Meanwhile, Brown reportedly walked away calmly after the stabbing, showing little reaction to the violence he had just committed.

Emergency responders were called immediately, but Zarutska was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators confirmed the attack appeared entirely random, with no indication that victim and suspect knew one another.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department arrested Brown shortly after the incident. He now faces charges of first-degree murder in what has been described as one of the most shocking crimes in recent memory for the city.

Zarutska’s death has left her family and community devastated. Having survived the war in Ukraine, she fell victim to senseless violence in the very place she had sought refuge. The tragedy has sparked grief both locally and abroad, as calls for justice echo for a young life lost far too soon.