Iryna Zarutska: Fatal stabbing of Ukrainian refugee in America sparks outrage

Thousands of tributes are pouring in on social media for late Ukrainian refugee who was fatally stabbed on a Charlotte light rail in the United States two weeks ago.

Iryna Zarutska, 23 was fatally stabbed as she travelled on a Charlotte light rail service on 22nd August, by a man with a long criminal history. 

In the footage released by the local police, Iryna, dressed in her Pizzeria Uniform sat in front of her attacker, scrolling on her phone. 34-year old Decarlos Brown Jr waited minutes before lunging at her stabbing her three times in the unprovoked attack. 

Iryna who was stabbed at least once in the neck clutched at her neck, bleeding, before collapsing onto her seat. She died on board.

Meanwhile her attacker walked towards the door trailing blood as he went, and taking off his hoodie after he noticed he was beginning to draw attention. 

A  knife, reportedly the murder weapon at the next stop where Brown exited the rail after the incident. 

Police described the attack as “random” and “unprovoked”.

Further investigation revealed that Decarlos Brown Jr had a lengthy criminal history. He been arrested multiple times starting 2011, on charges of robbery and larceny, according to local media.

Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles issued a statement on the CATS light rail stabbing that killed a 23-year-old woman last month, calling the incident a "senseless and tragic loss."

"The video of the heartbreaking attack that took Iryna Zarutska’s life is now public. I want to thank our media partners and community members who have chosen not to repost or share the footage out of respect for Iryna’s family." he said. 

Brown has been arrested and taken into custody and is currently facing a first degree murder charge. 

His lawyer has also filed for his competency to be evaluated as the case continues. 

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