Iryna Zarutska: 911 calls released in deadly Charlotte light rail stabbing
Share this @internewscast.com

Newly released 911 calls detail the chaotic moments after Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska was stabbed to death on a light rail train in Charlotte.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Following a tragic incident in August on the LYNX Blue Line light rail, officials have made public 911 calls and security footage, which detail the moments surrounding the fatal stabbing of a 23-year-old woman.

The recordings capture the panic immediately after the incident that claimed the life of Iryna Zarutska, a Ukrainian refugee. Decarlos Brown faces murder charges in connection with the stabbing.

Some of the callers were on the train when the stabbing happened, while others were at the scene after the stabbing.

“He just stabbed her for no reason,” one caller said. 

Witnesses reported seeing individuals gather around Zarutska, trying to help her until medical teams reached the scene, where she was later declared deceased.

Brown left the train after the stabbing. Callers described what he was wearing to dispatchers and said the direction he walked.

Newly released security video shows people frantically exiting the train searching for help from police or emergency responders. 

Security footage shows Brown with a hoodie wrapped around his injured hand, walking around the platform. He sustained a cut during the altercation and required hospitalization for several days following the event.

Police later arrested Brown on the platform.

CATS has also shared video footage of events leading up to the stabbing, showing Brown waiting for the train on the platform. The video captures him sitting on a bench for more than 10 minutes before boarding.

The stabbing drew nationwide attention when CATS released video of the attack, which depicted Brown repeatedly stabbing Zarutska in the neck as she sat, focused on her phone with earbuds in. According to family friends, Zarutska had recently arrived in the United States to escape the conflict in Ukraine.

Brown has 14 previous court cases in Mecklenburg County and was sentenced to six years in prison in 2015 for robbery with a dangerous weapon, breaking and entering, and larceny. His attorney has filed a motion for a competency evaluation. Before the August stabbing, Brown was charged with misuse of the 911 system in January, a misdemeanor.

President Donald Trump spoke about the case earlier this month, prompting a whirlwind of reactions in North Carolina and across the country. Brown was subsequently given a federal charge for committing an act causing death on a mass transportation system.

The case has left many residents concerned about Charlotte’s transit safety. Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles responded by pledging additional security personnel on the Blue Line. While the change was implemented immediately, many riders have not seen an added security presence.

In a statement, Zarutska’s family called her death “tragic and preventable,” and said she was just minutes away from home. She was working full-time at a Charlotte pizzeria while simultaneously attending community college in an effort to improve her English. 

The North Carolina General Assembly passed “Iryna’s Law” in September to target cashless bail for certain offenders and expedite death penalty appeals.

The state’s auditor released a report on CATS on Monday, finding a 40% drop in armed security personnel in the years before the stabbing.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Chicago Halloween events: Pet costumes on display at 38th Annual Streeterville Dog Halloween Party at Museum of Contemporary Art

Unleash the Spooky Fun: 38th Annual Streeterville Dog Halloween Party at Chicago’s Museum of Contemporary Art

CHICAGO (WLS) — This past weekend, Chicago was the stage for a…
German chancellor defends remarks on migrants suggesting citizens 'afraid to move around in public spaces'

German Chancellor Addresses Public Concerns Over Migrant Impact on Safety

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has reiterated his stance on migration, asserting that…
Heidi Klum drops 'cheeky' new Halloween costume hint

Heidi Klum Teases Fans with Playful Halloween Costume Preview: What to Expect This Year

Heidi Klum might be giving her fans a glimpse of her renowned…
Melodee Buzzard disappearance: New surveillance photos show missing California girl, 9, in possible disguise

New Surveillance Images Suggest Possible Disguise in Case of Missing 9-Year-Old Melodee Buzzard in California

On Friday, California authorities unveiled new surveillance footage in the ongoing search…
Exclusive -- Trump-Endorsed Massie Challenger Ed Gallrein: Massie 'Not a Statesman'

Trump-Backed Ed Gallrein Criticizes Incumbent Massie, Labels Him as Lacking Statesmanship

During a recent appearance on News Saturday, Ed Gallrein, a seasoned farmer…
Family matriarch dies day after rescue from remote island that saw family swim ashore to escape boat fire

Tragic Turn: Family Matriarch Passes Away After Dramatic Rescue from Remote Island Following Boat Fire

A day after being rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard, a woman…
ICE, CBP seize 400 firearms hidden in fake trailer walls at southern border crossing

ICE and CBP Uncover 400 Firearms Concealed in False Trailer Walls at Southern Border Checkpoint

EXCLUSIVE TO FOX: In Laredo, Texas, a father and son have been…
Jackson Chance Foundation to raise money for NICU families at 11th annual Ping Pong Ball at SPIN Chicago in River North

Join the 11th Annual Ping Pong Ball at SPIN Chicago to Support NICU Families with Jackson Chance Foundation

CHICAGO — The Jackson Chance Foundation is gearing up for its 11th…
Independent NJ candidate’s martial arts theatrics shakes up township meeting

Martial Arts Moves by Independent NJ Candidate Stir Excitement at Township Meeting

It felt less like a conventional town hall meeting and more akin…
Rubio slams UNRWA as a 'subsidiary of Hamas,' vows it will not 'play any role' in delivering aid to Gaza

Senator Rubio Denounces UNRWA as ‘Hamas Subsidiary,’ Pledges to Block Gaza Aid Involvement

In the wake of Vice President JD Vance’s departure back to Washington,…
Company recalls 2 million pounds of barbecue pork jerky that may contain metal wire

Urgent Recall: 2 Million Pounds of BBQ Pork Jerky Pulled from Shelves Over Metal Wire Contamination Concerns

A South Dakota-based company has issued a recall for over 2.2 million…
Danny Masterson’s ex-wife files to change their daughter’s last name

Danny Masterson’s Former Spouse Seeks Last Name Change for Their Daughter

Bijou Phillips, the ex-wife of Danny Masterson, is reportedly seeking a court’s…