Ukrainian Girl Stabbed on US Train Tragedy: Suspect's Possible Death Penalty

Liputan6.com, Jakarta Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee, tragically died after being stabbed on a Lynx Blue Line light rail train in Charlotte, North Carolina, United States.

The horrific incident occurred on August 22, 2025, shortly before 10:00 PM EDT, at the East/West Boulevard station.

As reported by ABC, the stabbing suspect was identified as Decarlos Brown Jr.

CCTV footage shows the horrific moments of the stabbing without any prior interaction between the victim and the perpetrator.

"This brutal attack on an innocent woman simply trying to get to her destination is an attack on the American way of life. Of course, crimes like this affect the victim the most -- Iryna deserves justice, and we will bring justice to her and her family," U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson said in a statement on Tuesday.

In a Tuesday press conference, Ferguson described the incident as a "terrorist act" and said that he and North Carolina FBI Special Agent James Barnacle Jr. had spoken with Zarutska's mother and uncle to inform them of the federal charges.

Ferguson said the family is "suffering like any of us would be."

The charges come after Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles said the city is now increasing security on commuter trains "effective immediately," as the attack continues to spark outrage among elected officials.

"As I reflect on the tragic murder of Iryna Zarutska my heart continues to go out to her family and our community as we try to make sense of this horrific and senseless loss," Lyles said in a statement Monday evening.

Decarlos Brown Jr. was charged by the U.S. Attorney's Office in the Western District of North Carolina with committing an act causing death on a mass transportation system, which could make him eligible for the death penalty, the DOJ said on Tuesday.

Brown's next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 19, according to court records.

It is unclear whether Brown has an attorney who can speak on his behalf, as reported by ABC.

BREAKING: Federal charges officially filed for Iryna Zarutska’s kiIIerDEATH PENALTY pic.twitter.com/ZACn5AT7Hq

— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) September 9, 2025

The suspect in the stabbing of the Ukrainian girl on the train was identified as 34-year-old Decarlos Brown Jr.

He was arrested at the scene and immediately charged with first-degree murder by local authorities.

The US Department of Justice also filed federal charges against him for causing death on a mass transit system, which could potentially carry a life sentence or even the death penalty.

Brown has a lengthy criminal history, stretching back to 2011, including arrests for burglary, robbery with a dangerous weapon, and making threats.

He even served five years in prison for armed robbery.

His mother stated that Brown suffers from schizophrenia and had attempted to have him involuntarily committed to a psychiatric hospital after he became violent at home.

In January 2025, Brown was also arrested for abusing the 911 system, claiming a "man-made substance" inside him was controlling him.

CCTV footage from the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) has become key evidence in the stabbing case of the Ukrainian girl.

The video shows Iryna Zarutska boarding a train and sitting in front of Brown without any prior interaction.

Minutes later, without apparent provocation, Brown suddenly pulls out a pocket knife, stands up, and stabs Zarutska in the neck.

The victim suffered three fatal stab wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The incident was described by authorities as an "unprovoked" and "random" attack.

The fact that there was no prior interaction or conflict between the victim and the perpetrator makes the motive for the attack even more elusive and deeply confusing to the public.

The investigation remains focused on Brown's mental health history and her claims of being controlled by a "man-made substance."