A Ukrainian refugee was brutally stabbed to death on a Charlotte light rail train in an unprovoked attack that left witnesses in shock.

Iryna Zarutska was already unconscious and had lost significant blood by the time bystanders called for help after the deadly assault on Aug. 22, according to dramatic 911 calls reported by The Post. Homeless repeat felon Decarlos Brown allegedly gutted the 23-year-old victim with a pocket knife on the Lynx Blue Line.

The young woman had moved to the United States in 2022, seeking a safer life after Russia invaded Ukraine. Brown, a 34-year-old paranoid schizophrenic career criminal, was arrested shortly after the killing and faces federal charges.

Panicked Witnesses Call for Emergency Help

"A man just f--king stabbed this woman for no reason," one panicked, out-of-breath caller told dispatchers during a three-minute emergency call. The distressed witness struggled to answer the dispatcher's questions amid the chaos unfolding on the train.

"Please hurry, she's bleeding. She's bleeding a lot," the caller continued with urgency in his voice. The eyewitness described the violent suspect as a black man who had already gotten off the train by the time help was summoned.

Another caller reported that Zarutska was "not responsive" as bystanders desperately tried to stem the bleeding by applying pressure to her stab wounds. The witnesses worked frantically to help the victim despite the horrific scene before them.

Multiple Callers Describe Chaotic Scene

"This lady just got stabbed. There is a lady on the ground with a lot of blood…we didn't see it," a female onlooker calmly told the emergency operator. She explained that while she hadn't witnessed the actual assault, she arrived to find the devastating aftermath.

"People are freaking out. There is a lot of blood. I think she's gone," the caller continued with growing concern. Multiple witnesses provided descriptions of Brown, noting he wore blue jeans, a red hoodie, and had dreadlocks.

Other callers emotionally reported their fears that Zarutska was already dead from her injuries. "Some girl got stabbed on the train. I think she's dead, man," one witness stressed to the dispatcher.

Surveillance Video Captures Brutal Attack

Disturbing surveillance footage from the unprovoked assault showed the terrified victim cowering with her hands over her face as she looked up at her killer. Zarutska had been stabbed three times, including once in the neck, during the random act of violence.

The chilling video revealed that Zarutska collapsed to the floor seconds after the attack, her pants spattered with blood. Brown was seen striding down the train car with the knife still in hand, leaving a trail of blood behind him.

The footage also showed that no passengers came immediately to her aid following the brutal assault. She was pronounced dead on the light rail despite the efforts of emergency responders.

Lessons to Learn From This Tragedy

1. Stay aware of your surroundings on public transportation. While it’s impossible to predict violent behavior, being alert and seated near others can help in critical moments. Still, it’s important to remember that no one should ever blame the victim—Zarutska’s actions did not provoke the attack.

2. Recognize the importance of mental health intervention. The suspect showed signs of severe psychiatric distress, and his family was aware of troubling thought patterns. Early and consistent support for individuals dealing with mental illness could prevent violence, but systemic gaps often leave vulnerable people untreated.

3. Understand that crime can happen anywhere, even in public spaces. Riding a train in daylight should not be dangerous. While additional security and emergency protocols may help in some cases, this tragedy is a stark reminder that attacks can happen to anyone, and we must continue working to create safer communities.

Why This Story Matters

This story brings attention to the urgent need for public safety reforms on mass transportation systems. It also highlights how gaps in mental health care and the legal system can let dangerous individuals fall through the cracks. Finally, it serves as a sobering reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of community vigilance.

Conclusion

Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee, was fatally stabbed on a Charlotte light rail train on August 22 in what authorities believe was a totally unprovoked attack. The suspect, Decarlos Brown Jr., has a lengthy criminal history and is diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. He allegedly believed that Zarutska could read his mind. Brown is now facing federal charges that allow for the death penalty. Surveillance footage captured the horrific event as it unfolded in front of several stunned passengers. Despite some efforts to save Zarutska, she died at the scene. 911 calls revealed the shock and fear that passengers felt in that moment. Brown was arrested shortly after the incident.