Officers final week launched video footage exhibiting the moments main as much as the killing of Iryna Zarutska, a Ukrainian battle refugee, on a light-weight rail prepare in Charlotte, North Carolina, prompting questions on crime and public security.
Decarlos Brown Jr., 34, is accused of killing the lady. He was charged with first-degree homicide in August, police stated in an Aug. 29 assertion.
The footage was launched by the Charlotte Space Transit System (CATS) on Sept. 5.
Right here’s what we all know.
Video Reveals Moments Earlier than Incident
Brown is allegedly proven pulling out a knife and standing up behind 23-year-old Zarutska earlier than the video cuts as he prepares to stab her, in accordance with the footage. The video footage doesn’t present the stabbing occurring.
Zarutska seems to be unaware of Brown’s actions and is scrolling on her cellphone.
The footage later reveals Brown strolling via the prepare with blood dripping on the ground as he carries a weapon. Bystanders don’t seem to take discover of Brown or the lady who was fatally stabbed behind them.
Brown was arrested in August in relation to the incident, officers stated in an announcement on the time.
Courtroom and jail information present that Brown has previous convictions for theft, larceny, breaking and coming into, and shoplifting. He served 5 years in jail for armed theft.
It’s not clear whether or not Brown has authorized illustration.
Moved to Escape Conflict
In response to an obituary, Zarutska was born in 2002 in Kyiv, Ukraine, and moved to america in mid-2022 with relations “to escape the war” with Russia that erupted simply months earlier.
“Iryna will be remembered for her kindness, her creativity, and the lasting impression she left on everyone she met. Her absence leaves a deep void, but her spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved her,” the obituary learn.
“She dreamed of pursuing a career as a Veterinary Assistant while also working toward her independence by learning to drive. Remarkably, she became fluent in English within a very short time, reflecting her determination and love of learning.”
A GoFundMe was additionally established, elevating $81,000 for her household as of the morning of Sept. 8.
‘Heartbreaking Attack’
Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles launched an announcement after the video footage emerged.
“The video of the heartbreaking attack that took Iryna Zarutska’s life is now public. I want to thank our media partners and community members who have chosen not to repost or share the footage out of respect for Iryna’s family,” Lyles stated in an announcement posted to X.
“This was a senseless and tragic loss. My prayers remain with her loved ones as they continue to grieve through an unimaginable time. Like so many of you, I’m heartbroken – and I’ve been thinking hard about what safety really looks like in our city. I remain committed to doing all we can to protect our residents and ensure Charlotte is a place where everyone feels safe.”
On the morning of Sept. 8, North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein stated in an announcement that he was appalled by the video footage.
“I am heartbroken for the family of Iryna Zarutska, who lost their loved one to this senseless act of violence,” he stated. “I am appalled by the footage of her murder. We need more cops on the beat to keep people safe.”
‘National Epidemic’
When reporters requested about Zarutska’s demise, President Donald Trump indicated that he had not heard a lot in regards to the incident.
“I’ll know all about it by tomorrow morning,” he stated on Sept. 7 at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland.
One Republican stated that Lyles didn’t condemn the violence or the felony’s actions.
“The Mayor’s refusal to condemn senseless, horrific, and preventable violence is as telling as it is despicable. Violent criminals, regardless of who they are or what they look like, need to be in jail,” Rep. Brad Knott (R-N.C.) stated in a response to the mayor’s submit on social media.
The Epoch Occasions contacted Lyles’s workplace for touch upon Monday.
White Home adviser Stephen Miller commented on the video footage over the weekend, saying that Democratic officers have allegedly “organized” themselves across the protection of criminals, responding to a submit asking about judges who allowed Brown “to go free after each arrest.”
“The violence in Charlotte is a microcosm of a national epidemic. Americans deserve better than Democrats’ soft-on-crime policies,” Rep. Mark Harris (R-N.C.) stated in a submit on X.
In the event you discovered this text attention-grabbing, please take into account supporting conventional journalism
Our first version was printed 25 years in the past from a basement in Atlanta. As we speak, The Epoch Occasions brings fact-based, award-winning journalism to thousands and thousands of People.
Our journalists have been threatened, arrested, and assaulted, however our dedication to unbiased journalism has by no means wavered. This yr marks our twenty fifth yr of unbiased reporting, free from company and political affect.
That’s why you’re invited to a limited-time introductory provide — simply $1 per week — so you may be a part of thousands and thousands already celebrating unbiased information.
