Her chance to start over in America ended before it began, as a knife attack in Charlotte stole the life she had just begun to rebuild.
Authorities have identified the victim of a fatal stabbing in Charlotte, North Carolina, on August 22, 2025, as 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska. Investigators say the attack has not only devastated her family but also renewed urgent calls to improve safety across the city’s transit system.
Around 10 p.m., the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department responded to a reported assault in the 1800 block of Camden Road, where they found her suffering from multiple stab wounds. Paramedics arrived shortly after and declared her dead at the scene.
Her American Dream Ends In Tragedy – As Suspect Is Named And Outrage Erupts
Authorities quickly identified the attacker as Decarlos Brown Jr., 34, who police say sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the incident and is currently under hospital guard at Atrium Health. “Brown will be arrested upon his release. He is charged with First Degree Murder,” the police department announced.
But what’s sparking fresh fury is Brown’s extensive criminal history.
According to court documents obtained by the New York Post, Brown has been arrested multiple times since 2011 on a chilling range of charges — from felony larceny to armed robbery and threatening behavior.
“She Came Here For Safety” – Devastated Family Mourns A Young Life Stolen
Zarutska’s grieving relatives have described her as someone who had endured the trauma of war only to meet a violent end in the country she believed would protect her. On a heartbreaking GoFundMe page created by Evgeniya Rush, the family shared:
“Our Valeria has suffered a terrible tragedy. Yesterday, her niece Ira, who was 23 years old was killed. 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 [sic].”
The page also pleaded for support to help cover funeral expenses, “Any support you can give — whether through a donation or simply by sharing this page — will mean so much to the family.”
Transit Terror: City Leaders And Public Demand Action After Stabbing Tragedy
Zarutska’s senseless killing has sparked an urgent debate over the safety of Charlotte’s public transit system. At a City Council meeting on Monday, elected officials called for immediate reforms to prevent further tragedies.
“The moment where the transit system starts to become something where it’s not considered to be safe is the moment in which you begin to lose riders, to lose momentum,” warned Council member Edwin Peacock III.
The killing has also triggered a wave of reactions online, drawing national attention as public figures question how such a tragedy could occur and express anger that a suspect with an extensive history of violent offenses remained free.
Investigation Intensifies As Police Urge Public To Come Forward
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department confirmed the investigation is ongoing, with Detective Buhr leading the case. Authorities are urging anyone with information to step forward — either by contacting CMPD Homicide directly or submitting anonymous tips through Charlotte Crime Stoppers.
Zarutska’s story — one of survival, hope, and horrific loss — now serves as a gut-wrenching reminder of the dangers still facing too many women in public spaces, even in cities meant to offer refuge.
Is enough being done to make transit safe? Do you think Brown should have been on the streets after his past arrests? Sound off in the comments — we want to hear from you.
