Shocking details have emerged about the man accused of killing Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska on a Charlotte train.
Police identified 34-year-old Decarlos Brown Jr. as the suspect. He is a career criminal with schizophrenia and at least 14 prior arrests. Authorities say he stabbed Zarutska, 23, in August while she rode the city’s light rail.
Court records reveal Brown Jr. comes from a family with a long criminal history. His brother Stacey is serving 27–36 years for murder and armed robbery. His sister Tracey was arrested in 2024 for felony conspiracy and theft. Their father also faced charges for breaking and entering and weapons possession.
Attorney General Pam Bondi vowed justice. “Iryna Zarutska was living the American dream — her horrific murder is unforgivable,” she said. “He will never again see the light of day as a free man.”
This tragedy has sparked outrage online, with many questioning why Brown Jr. was released earlier this year. Do you think this case proves soft-on-crime policies are failing victims?