911 Calls Reveal Chaos After Stabbing of Iryna Zarutska on Charlotte Light Rail

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department released several 911 calls on Wednesday, detailing the chaotic moments following the fatal stabbing of 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska on the LYNX Blue Line light rail on August 22.

Witnesses described the scene as traumatic, expressing shock at what they perceived to be an unprovoked attack. A caller, shaken and emotional, told the 911 operator, “This man just f—— stabbed this woman for no reason.” Another caller reported, “Oh my god, he just f—— stabbed her,” while others attempted to assist Zarutska, who was found unresponsive on the train floor.

Zarutska, a Ukrainian refugee returning home from work, was stabbed multiple times, with injuries to her neck. Emergency responders pronounced her dead at the scene shortly after the attack.

Decarlos Brown, 34, was arrested shortly after the incident and charged with first-degree murder. He has also faced federal charges for committing an act causing death on a mass transportation system, which may carry the death penalty, according to the Justice Department.

Police reports indicate that Zarutska entered the train at approximately 9:46 p.m. and was attacked just minutes later. Witnesses reported that Brown exited the train at the next stop and walked to the platform, where he was ultimately apprehended by police.

Security footage released by CATS shows Brown waiting on the platform before the stabbing, where he sat for over ten minutes. Reports indicate that he suffered a laceration on his hand during the incident, though details on how he was injured remain unclear.

In response to the stabbing, Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles announced increased security measures on commuter trains, aimed at improving safety for passengers. The incident has raised significant concerns among residents about public transit safety in Charlotte.

In a statement, Zarutska’s family called her death “tragic and preventable,” noting that she was close to home and worked full-time while studying to improve her English.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the stabbing, seeking to clarify the motive behind the attack.