Woman Who Fled War-Torn Ukraine Stabbed To De*th In The United States

A young woman who fled Ukraine in search of safety in the United States was stabbed to death at a North Carolina train station.

Iryna Zarutska, 23, sustained multiple stab wounds during an attack that happened about 10 p.m. at the East/West Boulevard light rail station in South End, Charlotte.

“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,” a GoFundMe read.

Decarlos Brown Jr., 34, is accused of fatally stabbing Zarutska.

“Brown is a serial criminal who has spent most of his adult life in and out of jail,” the New York Post stated.

Ukrainian refugee, 23, who fled war for safer life in US knifed to death by homeless career criminal in North Carolina https://t.co/HHSzcUAHyj pic.twitter.com/a1yqXZYyCW

— New York Post (@nypost) August 26, 2025

More from the New York Post:

His rap sheet goes back to 2011 and includes felony larceny, robbery with a dangerous weapon, and communicating threats, according to court records obtained by The Post.

He even served five years in prison for armed robbery, only to be arrested for assaulting his sister just months after he was released in September 2020, the Daily Mail reported.

The February 2021 attack left his sibling with minor injuries, according to a police report obtained by the outlet.

The menace’s most recent arrest before he allegedly knifed Zarutska was in January, when police conducted a welfare check on him, and he asked them to investigate a “man-made material” inside his body that was controlling his actions, according to an affidavit obtained by The Charlotte Observer.

Officers then advised Brown that he was suffering a medical issue and that there was nothing more they could do to help him.

“This is an irreparable loss for her family. We have created this fundraiser to support Valeria and her loved ones during this heartbreaking,” the GoFundMe stated.

A 23-year-old woman who was stabbed and killed on the light rail Friday night in South End has been identified as a Ukrainian refugee who recently fled Russia’s war on her home country.https://t.co/ExJd5wyWrb

— WFAE (@WFAE) August 26, 2025

The Independent noted:

Authorities have not said what led to the stabbing.

The fundraiser for Zarutska’s family had received nearly $15,000 by Tuesday morning.

Police investigation into the case remains ongoing.

WCNC provided additional coverage: