Ukrainian refugee, Iryna Zarutska, was attacked on a light rail train after a late night of work in North Carolina, Aug. 22.
Seeking refuge in the United States (U.S.), Zarutska fled in 2022, alongside her mother, sister and brother in search of a better life from the ongoing war in Ukraine. A mere 23 years old, Zarutska had been learning English as well as balancing a job at a pizzeria to make ends meet for her family. The night of the 22nd, Zarutska had texted her boyfriend that she was on her way home, complete with her shift at her job. Minutes later, she was attacked by 34 year-old, Decarlos Brown Jr.
Brown Jr. was arrested shortly after exiting a different train and has since been identified and recognized for an extensive history of crime. For this attack, Brown Jr. is charged with
first degree murder as well as a federal charge regarding killing on mass-transportation systems. In addition to his criminal records, Brown Jr. has also had a history of mental health issues, one specifically being schizophrenic. Brown Jr. has been charged 14 times in the past, marking yet another significant yet disheartening milestone in his criminal records. Brown Jr. had been seen in video footage to have used a pocket knife, retrieved from his hoodie. Immediately after the dramatic and quick attack, Brown Jr. exited the train, removing his hoodie which was said to have had blood stains or blood dripping from it.
Rumors and shock spiral across the internet as video posts depict the graphic yet incomplete stabbing and killing of Zarutska. After the initial shock of the attack, Zarutska was seen in video footage to have been holding her palm to her mouth and covering her neck. Media consumers are also confused as to how and why spectators and civilians did not react or assist Zarutska in any way, shape or form. Unfortunately, as a result, when authorities found her, she was unresponsive and dead at the scene.
With this come many security and safety concerns for not only citizens of North Carolina, but citizens of the U.S. Demands for better transit safety and scrutiny on how the justice system handles repeat offenders along with those with histories of mental health issues, increase as continuous attacks and incidents spike.
