Decarlos Brown Jr. Faces Federal and State Charges in Iryna Zarutska’s Murder

On September 9, 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice escalated its pursuit of justice for the brutal killing of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska by charging Decarlos Brown Jr. with a federal crime. The 34-year-old, described as a career criminal, ambushed the 23-year-old on Charlotte’s Lynx Blue Line light rail on August 22, 2025, in a shocking act captured on surveillance footage. This breaking news report details the charges against Brown, including first-degree murder at the state level and a federal count of committing an act causing death on a mass transportation system. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi has vowed to seek the maximum penalty, either life imprisonment or the death penalty, citing the murder as a result of “failed soft-on-crime policies.”

The federal charge, announced on Tuesday, has intensified scrutiny on Brown, who has a criminal history spanning over a decade with 14 prior arrests for offenses including armed robbery, felony larceny, and assault. The attack on Zarutska, who had fled Ukraine’s war to build a new life in the U.S., has sparked outrage and renewed debates over public safety and criminal justice policies in Charlotte. FBI Director Kash Patel and local officials have emphasized the need for accountability, with the federal charge aimed at ensuring Brown faces severe consequences for this “disgraceful act.”

Details of the Charges Against Decarlos Brown Jr.

Decarlos Brown Jr. faces two significant charges in connection with the murder of Iryna Zarutska. Initially, he was charged with first-degree murder by North Carolina authorities following his arrest on August 22, 2025. This state-level charge carries a potential life sentence without parole or the death penalty, though North Carolina has not executed anyone since 2006 due to legal challenges surrounding lethal injection protocols. The charge stems from Brown’s alleged unprovoked attack on Zarutska, who was stabbed three times from behind with a pocketknife while seated on the Lynx Blue Line light rail, as confirmed by surveillance footage.

On September 9, 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice added a federal charge of committing an act causing death on a mass transportation system, a rare application of a law typically used for terrorism-related cases, such as the 2022 New York City subway shooting. This federal charge, filed in U.S. District Court in Charlotte, carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty. The charge reflects the Justice Department’s intent to ensure severe consequences for Brown’s actions, which authorities argue threaten public confidence in mass transit systems. If convicted on both charges, Brown’s fate will hinge on judicial decisions regarding sentencing, with federal prosecutors signaling an aggressive pursuit of the maximum penalty.

Pam Bondi’s Stance and DOJ’s Commitment

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi has been vocal in her commitment to seeking justice for Iryna Zarutska, describing the murder as a “direct result of failed soft-on-crime policies that put criminals before innocent people.” In a statement on September 9, Bondi declared, “I have directed my attorneys to federally prosecute DeCarlos Brown Jr., a repeat violent offender with a history of violent crime, for murder. We will seek the maximum penalty for this unforgivable act of violence — he will never again see the light of day as a free man.” Her remarks underscore a broader narrative of cracking down on violent crime, particularly in urban centers like Charlotte, where public safety concerns have intensified.

Bondi’s push for the maximum penalty aligns with the Department of Justice’s strategy to use federal charges to ensure accountability in high-profile cases. The federal charge against Brown is seen as a strategic move to bypass potential leniency in state courts, given Brown’s extensive criminal record and reported mental health issues, including a schizophrenia diagnosis. The DOJ’s involvement signals a broader federal interest in addressing violent crimes on public transportation, with Bondi emphasizing that such acts undermine the safety of everyday commuters and workers relying on systems like the Lynx Blue Line.

FBI’s Role and Statements from Officials

FBI Director Kash Patel condemned the attack in a statement, calling it a “disgraceful act that should never happen in America.” He emphasized the FBI’s immediate involvement in the investigation, stating, “The FBI jumped to assist in this investigation immediately to ensure justice is served, and the perpetrator is never released from jail to kill again.” Patel also thanked Attorney General Bondi for pursuing federal charges, describing them as the “first step toward delivering justice for Iryna and her family – as well as the millions of Americans who deserve to live in our great American cities free from being targeted by violent criminals.”

James C. Barnacle Jr., FBI Charlotte Special Agent in Charge, echoed Patel’s sentiments, noting that the federal charge aims to bring “a measure of justice” to Zarutska’s family. “Iryna Zarutska had likely taken that train ride many times before,” Barnacle said. “She was probably tired after a day at work and just wanted to go home, but tragically she never made it. Everyone in this country deserves to go to work, to school, or just across town without fear of being attacked.” These statements highlight the broader implications of the case for public safety and the role of federal law enforcement in addressing violent crimes.

The Incident and Iryna Zarutska’s Story

The tragic incident occurred just before 10:00 PM on August 22, 2025, on Charlotte’s Lynx Blue Line light rail. Surveillance footage released by the Charlotte Area Transit System shows Iryna Zarutska boarding the train and sitting in front of Decarlos Brown Jr. Approximately four minutes later, Brown pulled a pocketknife from his pocket, unfolded it, and stabbed Zarutska three times from behind, targeting her neck. She was pronounced dead at the scene with a fatal stab wound to the neck and a minor cut on her knee. Brown was apprehended on the platform, with a blood-soaked shirt and the pocketknife recovered nearby.

Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee, had fled the war in Ukraine in 2022, seeking safety and a new life in Charlotte. Described as a vibrant young woman, she worked at a senior citizens’ center and a pizza place while caring for neighborhood animals. Her obituary highlighted her determination to build a brighter future in the U.S., where she had recently moved in with her partner. The senseless nature of her death has resonated widely, with U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson visibly emotional during a press conference, stating, “She was building her young life.” Zarutska’s family, devastated by the loss, declined an offer from the Ukrainian Embassy to repatriate her body, insisting that the U.S. was her home.

Brown’s Criminal History and Mental Health Concerns

Decarlos Brown Jr.’s extensive criminal record has fueled criticism of Charlotte’s justice system. Mecklenburg County court records show 14 arrests since 2011, including convictions for robbery with a dangerous weapon, felony larceny, and assault. In 2014, Brown was sentenced to over six years in prison for armed robbery, during which he brandished a handgun and stole cash and valuables. Released in 2020, he faced additional charges, including assaulting his sister and misusing the 911 system in January 2025, when he claimed a “man-made material” controlled his actions.

Brown’s mother, Michelle Ann Dewitt, revealed that he was diagnosed with schizophrenia after his 2020 release, exhibiting aggressive behavior at home. She argued that the justice system failed by releasing him despite his mental health issues and criminal history, a sentiment echoed by critics who point to systemic issues in handling repeat offenders. A competency evaluation ordered in July 2025 was not completed, and Brown remained free until the fatal attack. These factors have intensified calls for reform, with figures like President Donald Trump and Congressman Randy Fine advocating for stricter policies and accountability for judges who release violent offenders.

Public and Political Reactions

The murder has become a flashpoint in the national debate over crime and justice policies. President Trump called Brown a “lunatic” and used the case to push for tougher sentencing, while Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy criticized Charlotte’s Democratic leadership for failing to keep Brown off the streets. White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller accused Democrats of protecting “the criminal, the monstrous, and the depraved,” amplifying the case’s political significance. Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, facing re-election, called the killing a “tragic failure by the courts,” promising increased police presence on public transit.

The case has also sparked discussions about mental health interventions and public safety on mass transit. Mecklenburg County District Attorney Spencer Merriweather noted the challenges of prosecuting defendants with mental health issues, often requiring hospitalization before trials. The release of the surveillance video, described as “gruesome” by media outlets, has further fueled public outrage, with social media amplifying calls for justice. As the case progresses, it remains a stark reminder of the need for systemic reforms to prevent such tragedies and protect communities.