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
Trump vows no cease-fire with Iran, predicts Strait of Hormuz may 'open itself'

Trump’s Bold Stance: No Ceasefire with Iran and Predictions for the Strait of Hormuz

WASHINGTON — On Friday, President Trump dismissed the idea of a potential…
U-Haul theft destroys decades of memories for Jacksonville-bound couple: 'It meant the world to us'

Heartbreaking U-Haul Theft Erases Decades of Cherished Memories for Jacksonville Couple

What was supposed to be a seamless transition to Jacksonville for a…
Rama Duwaji deletes old X account after posts praising Palestinian terrorists, using N-word resurface

Rama Duwaji Shuts Down Old X Account Amid Controversy Over Resurfaced Offensive Posts

Rama Duwaji, the wife of Mayor Zohran Mamdani, recently deactivated a former…
University of Alabama student James Gracey seen walking toward rocks moments before death in Barcelona: witness

University of Alabama Student James Gracey Observed Approaching Rocks Shortly Before Tragic Incident in Barcelona, Witness Reports

A University of Alabama student, James Gracey, tragically lost his life while…
DHS touts 10 straight months of zero illegal aliens released at border as crossings plunge

Unprecedented Success: DHS Achieves 10-Month Streak of Zero Illegal Releases Amid Drop in Border Crossings

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on Thursday that for the…
Missing former college student, 19, found dead in pond two months after vanishing near his apartment

Tragic Discovery: Missing 19-Year-Old College Student Found in Pond Two Months After Disappearance

A former college student from Maine, who vanished two months ago, has…
From LLWS to varsity, Massapequa's Ryan Huksloot keeps thriving

Massapequa’s Ryan Huksloot Continues to Excel from Little League World Series to Varsity Level

Life’s pivotal moments continue to shape the journey of Ryan Huksloot, the…
 Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing costs $114M

$114M Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing: A Landmark Investment in Conservation and Connectivity

A candidate aiming to become California’s chief financial auditor has criticized a…
see how much California is spending to erase sites

Unveiling California’s Massive Budget for Site Cleanup: Discover the Costs & Impacts

California taxpayers are facing a significant expense as the state undertakes the…
Video captures chaos erupting at NYC vigil for slain Ayatollah Khamenei as punches fly

Unveiling the Network: NYC Vigil for Khamenei Exposes Anti-US Protest Connections to Iran

In a recent event at Manhattan’s Washington Square Park, a small assembly…
Cop’s skull smashed in creek fight as repeat offender suspect walks on $100 bond

Outrage Erupts as Repeat Offender Released on $100 Bond After Violent Assault on Officer

A police officer in Colorado sustained a significant head injury following a…
Report: NYC Mayor's Wife Celebrated Female Terrorist Hijacker Online

NYC Mayor’s Wife Under Fire for Online Tribute to Notorious Female Hijacker

The wife of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, identified as a…