A Ukrainian woman who came to the U.S. to escape war in her native country was stabbed to death in Charlotte on Friday, police said.
The victim was identified by authorities as 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska.
As news of her tragic death spread, a GoFundMe campaign was also launched to help Zarutska’s relatives cope and has so far raised over $12,000.
“Dear friends, our Valeria has suffered a terrible tragedy,” the fundraiser reads.
The reported stabbing of Iryna Zarutska, 23, occurred at the bustling East/West Boulevard light rail station near Camden Road in the South End area on Friday. (WBTV)
Following the incident, 34-year-old Decarlos Brown was swiftly apprehended and taken to the hospital before facing a first-degree murder charge. Authorities have yet to divulge specifics regarding the motive behind the stabbing.
According to court records, Brown’s arrest history dates back to 2011, featuring charges such as felony larceny, robbery with a dangerous weapon, and making threats, though most charges were later dismissed.
The murder of Zarutska has ignited renewed demands for enhanced public safety measures in Charlotte. Members of the Charlotte City Council voiced their concerns regarding transit system violence on Monday.
During a council session, member Dimple Ajmera requested “immediate measures being implemented to ensure the safety of our riders and operators and to rebuild trust in our system.”
Fox News Digital has reached out to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police.
