“Death penalty is the only option”
Ukrainian Refugee Murder Sparks Outrage
The killing of 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska, a Ukrainian refugee, has stunned the U.S.
On August 22, surveillance video showed Decarlos Brown Jr., 34, stabbing her in the neck on a Charlotte light rail train.
“This brutal attack on an innocent woman… is an attack on the American way of life,”
said U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson.
Brown, who has 14 prior arrests and a schizophrenia diagnosis, now faces federal murder charges.
Officials called the act “terroristic.”
President Trump reacted strongly, demanding a death sentence: “There can be no other option!!!”
Zarutska had fled war to find safety.
“Iryna came here to find peace and safety, and instead her life was stolen from her,” her family said.
Ferguson added, “She loved America.”
The tragedy has reignited debate over mental health, crime, and transit safety.
Brown is undergoing psychiatric evaluation but could still face the death penalty.
