DOJ charges man accused of killing refugee on North Carolina train with federal crime
Share this @internewscast.com

The Justice Department on Tuesday indicted a man with an extensive criminal history for the murder of a Ukrainian refugee on a North Carolina train last month, potentially leading to a death sentence.

This federal indictment emerges amid rising concerns about why Decarlos Brown Jr., with 14 prior criminal cases, remained free before allegedly wielding a knife to kill 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska in a seemingly random, video-recorded assault. This incident has intensified debate over whether cities like Charlotte are effectively dealing with violent crime, mental health issues, and public transit safety.

Zarutska had fled to the U.S. to escape the conflict in Ukraine, with relatives describing her determination to pursue a safer life on a GoFundMe page.

Brown was taken into custody at the scene and charged with first-degree murder by state prosecutors. He now also faces a federal charge of causing a death on public transportation, a crime that could result in a life sentence or the death penalty.

Attorney General Pam Bondi said the killing was “a direct result of failed soft-on-crime policies that put criminals before innocent people.”

“We aim to enforce the harshest penalty for this heinous act—he will never enjoy freedom again,” stated Bondi.

In North Carolina, first-degree murder can result in the death penalty; however, no executions have taken place since 2006 due to legal disputes surrounding lethal injection drugs and the required presence of a doctor during executions.

Brown had cycled through the criminal justice system for more than a decade, with 14 prior cases in Mecklenburg County, including serving five years for robbery with a dangerous weapon, according to court records. He was arrested earlier this year after repeatedly calling 911 from a hospital, claiming people were trying to control him. A judge released him without bail.

His mother told local television she sought an involuntary psychiatric commitment this year after he became violent at home. Doctors diagnosed him with schizophrenia.

Video released Friday shows Zarutska entering the light-rail train and taking a seat in front of Brown, who was seated behind her. Minutes later, without any apparent interaction, he pulls out a pocketknife, stands and slashes her in the neck, investigators said. Passengers scream and scatter as she collapses.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Government shutdown live updates as impasse enters second day

Live Updates: Government Shutdown Stalemate Continues into Second Day

Late Tuesday evening, the National Park Service, a division of the Interior…
Trump uses government shutdown to dole out firings and political punishment

Trump Utilizes Government Shutdown to Issue Terminations and Political Reprimands

President Donald Trump has taken advantage of the government shutdown as a…
Texas megachurch founder Robert Morris pleads guilty to child sex abuse charges

Texas Megachurch Leader Robert Morris Admits to Child Sexual Abuse Offenses

The founder of a Texas megachurch, who stepped down last year following…
RECAP: 'Golden Bachelor' women roast Mel for ageist comments during group date, Debbie gets 1-on-1 date

Summary: ‘Golden Bachelor’ women criticize Mel for ageist remarks on group date; Debbie receives a solo date

NEW YORK — The week kicked off at “Bachelor Mansion” where the…
Trump remains open to talks with Kim Jong Un as South Korea warns of North Korean missile reach

Trump Open to Dialogue with Kim Jong Un Amid South Korean Alerts About North Korean Missile Capabilities

President Donald Trump is willing to have discussions with North Korean leader…
OpenAI now worth $500 billion, possibly making it the world's most valuable startup

OpenAI Valued at $500 Billion, Potentially the World’s Most Valuable Startup

OpenAI may now hold the title of the world’s most valuable startup,…
Student uproar erupts at elite college after professor put on leave over ties to far-left gun club

Elite College in Turmoil as Professor’s Suspension Linked to Far-Left Gun Club Sparks Student Protests

The community at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill gathered…
Bryan Kohberger says he was diagnosed with 4 mental disorders before guilty plea: report

Idaho Judge Describes Bryan Kohberger Crime Scene Photos as ‘Deeply Disturbing,’ Halts Their Public Release

A judge in Idaho has blocked the release of graphic images from…
Trump's peace deal could end the war in Gaza or Netanyahu's career

Trump’s Peace Proposal: A Chance to Resolve the Gaza Conflict or Alter Netanyahu’s Political Future

A 20-point peace plan proposed by President Donald Trump this week could…
Des Moines Public School Board accepts superintendent's resignation after ICE arrest

Ex-Des Moines Schools Superintendent Arrested by DOJ on Federal Firearms and Immigration Charges

The former Iowa school district superintendent detained by immigration authorities last week…
Chicago Drives Electric event returns to Oakbrook Terrace in October with Chicago Automobile Trade Association

Chicago’s Electric Vehicle Event Returns to Oakbrook Terrace This October With Support from the Chicago Automobile Trade Association

CHICAGO (WLS) — The Chicago Drives Electric event in Oakbrook Terrace is…
Russian leader responds to American conservative's murder: 'A disgusting atrocity'

Russian President Condemns the Killing of U.S Conservative: ‘Appalling Act’

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his views on Thursday, describing the assassination…