Violent criminal past of man who ‘stabbed Ukrainian woman on train’

On Tuesday, federal authorities took a significant step in the case of Decarlos Dejuan Brown Jr., who is accused of the tragic stabbing death of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska while she was traveling on a light rail train in North Carolina. The U.S. Department of Justice has officially charged Brown with one count of committing an act that resulted in death aboard a mass transportation system, highlighting the serious nature of this crime and the impact it has had on the community and beyond.

Attorney General Pam Bondi expressed her determination to seek the maximum possible sentence for Brown, emphasizing that the horrific attack, which occurred on August 22, was indicative of broader issues with "failed soft-on-crime policies that prioritize the rights of criminals over the safety of innocent citizens." Bondi firmly stated her position, saying, “I have instructed my legal team to pursue federal prosecution for DeCarlos Brown Jr., who is not only a suspect in this deplorable act but also a repeat violent offender with a troubling history of violent crime. We are committed to seeking the highest penalty for this unforgiveable act of violence — he will be held accountable and will never again see the light of day as a free man.”

FBI Director Kash Patel condemned the brutal assault on Iryna Zarutska, characterizing it as a deeply shameful act that should never be tolerated in America. "The FBI swiftly jumped into action to lend its assistance in this investigation, ensuring that justice is served and the perpetrator is kept behind bars, preventing him from committing further acts of violence," Patel said. He thanked Attorney General Bondi for her efforts in pursuing the federal charges, noting that this marks a vital initial step toward securing justice for Iryna, her family, and the countless Americans who deserve to live in their cities free from the fear of violence.

James C. Barnacle Jr., who serves as the special agent in charge of the FBI Charlotte field office, shared his hope that the federal charge would bring some measure of justice to Zarutska's grieving family. "Iryna Zarutska was likely accustomed to taking that train ride back home, perhaps exhausted after a long day at work, never anticipating that tragedy awaited her. It’s heartbreaking to think that she never made it home," he reflected. "We trust that this new federal charge will hold the perpetrator accountable for this horrifying act and reassure everyone in this country that they deserve to go to work, attend school, or simply travel across town without fearing violence."

The heartbreaking narrative surrounding Iryna Zarutska emphasizes a profound tragedy: an immigrant, who had fled the ravages of war, faced her untimely demise in a place she had hoped would offer her safety and opportunity. "Even more tragically, Iryna came to Charlotte seeking refuge from the violence plaguing her homeland in Ukraine. She made friends, quickly secured a job on her very first day of eligibility, and gained a work permit. Iryna had been working at a senior center and a local pizza establishment, and she devoted time to caring for neighborhood animals. She was in the process of building a new life, having recently moved in with her partner," said Barnacle. "Her family informed us that she had earned her college degree in art and restoration from a university in Kiev. Not long before her move to the U.S., she was living in a bomb shelter, a testament to the devastating circumstances she was trying to escape."

Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina, reaffirmed that Zarutska’s journey was one of resilience amid turmoil. "She was a refugee, who came to this country literally from a bomb shelter in Ukraine, striving for a better life. Tragically, while going about her daily routine—returning home from work on a light rail train—she was brutally murdered," Ferguson said. "Today, I am here to announce that we are supplementing the existing state charges with federal ones, intending to reinforce the murder case in state court. We are hopeful that these additional charges will ensure that justice is served for Iryna, her family, and the entire Charlotte community."

Ferguson emphasized that prosecutors would aggressively seek the maximum penalty, which includes life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. Furthermore, investigators are also looking into the possibility of pursuing the death penalty due to the nature of the crime. He noted the severity of Iryna's injuries, revealing that she suffered multiple critical wounds to her neck and hands, and described how the alleged assailant exited the train with blood visibly dripping from the weapon.

Reflecting on the emotional circumstances surrounding Iryna’s death, Ferguson recounted a poignant moment from discussions with her family: "After Iryna's tragic passing, representatives from the Ukrainian embassy reached out, offering assistance in bringing her remains back home. However, her family chose to decline. They expressed a heartfelt desire to emphasize that Iryna had a deep love for America and wanted her remains to stay here, reflecting her commitment to the life she sought in this new country."