A chilling surveillance video has revealed the final moments of a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee's life after she was fatally stabbed in what police described as a random attack aboard a Charlotte light rail train.
The victim, Iryna Zarutska, who fled war-torn Ukraine in search of safety in the United States, was attacked on the Lynx Blue Line just before 10 pm on August 22, according to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD).
Surveillance video captures attack
The video, released Friday by the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS), shows Zarutska boarding the train in her pizzeria uniform at 9:46 pm and sitting quietly, scrolling on her phone. Just four minutes later, police say, 34-year-old Decarlos Brown Jr, a homeless ex-convict, pulled out a folding knife and lunged at her, stabbing her three times — including once in the neck.
As Zarutska clutched her throat and collapsed in her seat, Brown walked through the car, stripped off his sweatshirt, and waited near the doors as other passengers began to notice blood dripping from him, the footage shows.
Police said Brown exited at the next stop, where a knife was later recovered. Zarutska was pronounced dead on the train.
Suspect's criminal history
Brown, who has multiple arrests dating back to 2011, was charged with first-degree murder. His criminal record includes larceny, robbery with a dangerous weapon, and communicating threats. He previously served five years in prison for armed robbery, according to WSOC-TV.
In January, police arrested Brown after he allegedly misused 911 during a welfare check. At the time, he claimed a "man-made" material inside his body was controlling his movements, according to an affidavit cited by the Charlotte Observer.
He was treated for a hand injury sustained during the stabbing before being booked into custody.
Questions over transit safety
According to Spectrum News, it took six minutes for police to respond to the incident. Security guards were aboard the train at the time but were located in another car, not where the stabbing occurred.
In response to the killing, CATS officials said they have hired a chief safety and security officer, tripled their security budget, and begun upgrading outdated surveillance cameras. On September 22, the Charlotte city council is scheduled to consider expanding police patrols across buses and trains.
Officials said the surveillance footage was released following repeated media requests.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to search for a motive in the seemingly unprovoked attack.
At TOI World Desk, our dedicated team of seasoned journalists and...
Read MoreAt TOI World Desk, our dedicated team of seasoned journalists and passionate writers tirelessly sifts through the vast tapestry of global events to bring you the latest news and diverse perspectives round the clock. With an unwavering commitment to accuracy, depth, and timeliness, we strive to keep you informed about the ever-evolving world, delivering a nuanced understanding of international affairs to our readers. Join us on a journey across continents as we unravel the stories that shape our interconnected world.
Read Less