Man who killed Ukrainian refugee on Charlotte train faces federal charge

A North Carolina man has been charged by the U.S. Justice Department over the fatal stabbing of a Ukrainian refugee on a commuter train, a crime that could carry the death penalty.

Decarlos Brown Jr is accused of killing 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska on 22 August, in an apparently unprovoked attack captured on security footage. Brown reportedly used a pocketknife, which was later found near the train platform.

Brown, who was arrested at the scene, already faced a state charge of first-degree murder. He now faces a federal charge for causing death on a mass transportation system, which carries a possible life sentence or the death penalty.

Attorney General Pam Bondi said on X, “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. I have directed my attorneys to federally prosecute DeCarlos Brown Jr., a repeat violent offender with a history of violent crime, for murder. 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.”

The FBI is also investigating the attack. FBI Director Kash Patel described it as a “brutal attack” and a “disgraceful act,” adding on X, “The FBI immediately surged into action to ensure justice is served and to make clear that violent criminals will never be allowed to walk free again.”

Court records show Brown has a long criminal history, including convictions for armed robbery, felony larceny, and breaking and entering. He served more than five years for robbery with a dangerous weapon. Brown also faced 14 prior cases in Mecklenburg County dating back to 2011, ranging from minor infractions such as shoplifting and speeding to more serious offenses.

Court records show Brown,  has been diagnosed with schizophrenia. Earlier this year, he was charged with misuse of 911 after repeatedly calling police, claiming a “man-made” material was controlling his actions. Officers told him it was a medical issue, and he was released on a written promise to appear at his next hearing.

The White House criticised his prior release, stating it left him “free to slaughter an innocent woman just months later.”

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