Decarlos Brown Jr has been charged with the murder of 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska, who was fatally stabbed on a commuter train in Charlotte, North Carolina, after fleeing the warzone in Ukraine

Iryna Zarutska(Image: GOFUNDME)

The family of a Ukrainian refugee murdered on a commuter train after she had escaped the warzone have spoken out. Decarlos Brown Jr has been charged following the death of 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska, who was fatally knifed on the train.

Brown stands accused of brandishing a blade and killing Ms Zarutska on the South End light rail train in Charlotte, North Carolina in what appears to be a random assault caught on camera.

If convicted of the federal offence, Brown could face the death penalty, though North Carolina hasn’t executed anyone for nearly a decade.

Decarlos Brown Jr will appear in court
Decarlos Brown Jr will appear in court(Image: AP)

Attorney General Pam Bondi, who is pushing for the harshest sentence, declared: “Iryna Zarutska was a young woman living the American dream – her horrific murder is a direct result of failed soft-on-crime policies that put criminals before innocent people.

“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.”

After fleeing Ukraine when Vladimir Putin ordered Russian forces to invade, Ms Zarutska had begun rebuilding her life in Charlotte, North Carolina. She was determined to create a more secure future, mates had revealed to the press.

But on Friday August 22, she was slashed across the throat with a pocketknife. Horrific footage reveals a man seated behind Ms Zarutska producing the weapon, getting up and launching the attack on the woman, reports the Mirror.

Iryna Zarutska sat down in front of the killer before he launched the frenzied attack
Iryna Zarutska sat down in front of the killer before he launched the frenzied attack(Image: CCTV)

And now her family has spoken out. A spokesman said: “We are heartbroken beyond words. Iryna came here to find peace and safety, and instead her life was stolen from her in the most horrific way. No family should have to go through this.”

Horrific, and sadly now viral footage of the incident shows how fellow passengers shrieked and fled as Iryna crumpled in her seat on the train.

Russ Ferguson, the US attorney for the western district of North Carolina, indicated that additional charges could be forthcoming as the investigation progresses.

The federal case will run concurrently with the state case charging Brown with first-degree murder. However, in response to the fatal stabbing, Charlotte has ramped up security along its transit lines, according to Mayor Vi Lyles in a letter to the city’s residents. The Democratic mayor’s letter also criticised the court system, echoing some of the critics of the city’s response.

Mr Lyles labelled the killing “a tragic failure by the courts and magistrates,” stating that the city’s officers arrest individuals who are then swiftly released.

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By staronline@reachplc.com (Adam Cailler)

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