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Iryna Zarutska, 23 years old Refugees from Ukrainecame to the United States to seek the security of her war-hardened home, but was stabbed to death on a train in North Carolina.
Zarutska was born on May 22, 2002 to his parents Anna Zarutska and Stanislav Zarutskyi. Her friends remember her friends with a deep love for animals with the goal of becoming a veterinary assistant.
Prior to coming to the United States, she graduated from Kiev Assistance College with a degree in Arts and Recovery. Her prosecutor noted that Zarutska used her skills to make artworks for her loved ones.
Her obedience reads: “Iryna will be remembered for her kindness, creativity, and the lasting impressions left by everyone she meets. Her absence leaves a deep gap, but her spirit will remain in the hearts of those who love her forever.”
After the social media rebound
Ukrainian Iryna Zarutska came to the United States to escape the war, but was stabbed to death in Charlotte on Friday, August 22. (evgeniya rush/gofundme)
In August 2022, her mother, sister and brother Zarutska immigrated to the United States and escaped the war in Ukraine. Zarutska is said to have quickly accepted her new life in the United States and became fluent in English.
“She is always very helpful and very supportive of Kim, with only a golden heart.” A family friend named her. WCNC Charlotte. “She is a lover. It made me very sick and thought she was gone.”
Zarutska boarded the train on August 22 Charlotte, North Carolinaon the way home from get off work at the pizzeria in Zepeddie. Zarutska is still in uniform and sits in front of a man in a red hoodie. A moment later, the man took out a knife and stabbed her. The suspect was later identified as Decarlos Brown, who was arrested and charged with murder.
Surveillance video shows the moment a young Ukrainian woman was stabbed to death in a random attack on the Lynx blue line on Friday, August 22, 2025. (News via the Charlotte Regional Transportation System)
After Zarutska was killed, Zepeddie’s pizzeria posted a statement on social media saying her death was a “huge loss.”
“We have not only lost an incredible employee, but also a true friend. Our dear Iryna Write on Instagram. “As we continue to deal with this tragedy, we are trying to find the understanding and respect that you ask for your team in peace…iryna, we miss you more than words. You will always be in our hearts.”
Zepeddie mentioned in the post that her staff retained the candle of Zarutska’s honor, symbolizing “the warmth, kindness and light she brings to us every day.”
LR: Photos of Decarlos Brown; surveillance video shows the brown color on the light rail train. (Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office; Cat)
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Brown is accused of First-degree murderAccording to the arrest warrant for Mecklenburg County. Police said Brown and Zarutska did not know each other and the attack was random.
The records obtained by Fox News Digital Show Brown have a long history of arrests, dating back to a decade. His records include a 2013 conviction of theft and sabotage and infection, and a 2015 conviction of robbery with dangerous weapons.
He served in prison until 2020 and has been on parole before parole. Subsequent allegations against him included communicating threats and abuse of the 911 system earlier this year.
Bradford Betz and Sarah Rumpf-Whitten of Fox News Digital contributed to the report.
