CHARLOTTE — The family of Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee, is demanding justice and public safety reform following her tragic killing on Charlotte’s Blue Line on Aug. 22.
Iryna Zarutska was killed in a violent attack while riding the Charlotte Area Transportation System Blue Line light rail, just minutes from her home.
Her family is calling for accountability and systemic change in public safety measures.
“We are heartbroken beyond words. Iryna came here to find peace and safety, and instead her life was stolen from her in the most horrific way,” said a family spokesperson.
Iryna Zarutska had built a new life in Charlotte, working full-time at a local pizzeria while attending community college to improve her English. She was deeply loved by her family and friends.
The family emphasized that Iryna was just minutes from home when the attack occurred, having texted her boyfriend that she would be home soon.
Her loved ones became alarmed when she did not arrive at her apartment at the anticipated time, and her phone’s location alerted them that she was still at the station.
Upon arriving at the station, they were devastated to learn that Iryna had died at the scene.
#NEW: Thru an attorney the family of Iryna Zarutska is speaking out.
— Hunter Sáenz (@Hunt_Saenz) September 9, 2025
In part they say, ““We are heartbroken beyond words. Iryna came here to find peace and safety, and instead her life was stolen from her in the most horrific way. No family should have to go through this.”
The family is urging the public and media to respect Iryna’s dignity and their grief by not reposting or circulating the footage of her killing.
They are also demanding a full investigation into the circumstances leading up to Iryna’s death, including lapses in security protocols and failures within the public transportation system.
Federal charges have been filed against Decarlos Brown, who is accused of killing Iryna Zarutska. He faces one count of committing an act causing death on a mass transportation system.
U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina, Russ Ferguson, expressed his condolences, saying, “Our hearts go out to Iryna’s family. They are suffering like any of us would be.”
A vigil has been planned for this Saturday in Uptown Charlotte to honor her.
VIDEO: Man accused of killing Ukrainian refugee on light rail charged with federal crime
©2025 Cox Media Group
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/LH3JSJEF3VBLRJLJQESEAG34AM.png)
