The family of 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska has issued its first public statement since her fatal stabbing aboard a Charlotte light-rail train on August 22, calling for accountability and sweeping reforms in public safety.
In a statement released via their attorney, the family described Iryna as “kind and hardworking,” deeply loved by friends and family. They said their grief is incomprehensible: Iryna “came here to find peace and safety … instead her life was stolen from her in the most horrific way.” They say no family should ever face what they are now going through.
They urged that the alleged killer, Decarlos Brown Jr.—who has a long history of arrests and mental health issues—remain in custody. The family emphasized this case exposes what they see as a broader crisis in transit security and public safety.
Key reforms they are calling for include:
- A full investigation into security lapses on the Charlotte Lynx Blue Line
- Review and oversight of the security contract between the transit agency and private firms
- Enhanced safety measures on trains, platforms, and stations to prevent future attacks
They also asked the public and media to show respect by not circulating graphic video footage of the attack.
Brown has been charged with first-degree murder and, more recently, with a federal charge tied to committing an act causing death on a mass transportation system.