Charlotte Light Rail Stabbing Kills Ukrainian Refugee Sparks Safety Concerns

In August, 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska was fatally stabbed on a Charlotte light rail train by Decarlos Brown Jr., who has a history of 14 prior arrests and was out on cashless bail for a misdemeanor at the time. Newly released 911 calls reveal the chaotic and panicked response from bystanders, with some callers describing the suspect's appearance and movements immediately after the attack, while others conveyed the severity of Zarutska's injuries, noting she was unresponsive and bleeding heavily from a carotid artery wound. Despite the released security footage showing passengers near Zarutska failing to assist her during the attack, some 911 callers displayed concern and attempted to help until medical personnel arrived, though Zarutska was pronounced dead at the scene. Brown left the train after the stabbing and was hospitalized for days due to a self-inflicted laceration; his attorney has requested a competency evaluation. The incident has sparked criticism of the criminal justice system, particularly the decision to grant Brown cashless bail, with calls for the removal of the magistrate who authorized it. President Donald Trump also commented on the case, underscoring its national attention.