CHARLOTTE — A jail call has been released that provides insight into the mindset of the man charged in the death of 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska.
On Aug. 22, Decarlos Brown fatally stabbed Zarutska while on board a train that was going to the East/West Boulevard Station, according to police.
Brown, a repeat offender, is now facing both state and federal charges.
On Sept. 10, Channel 9 obtained audio recordings between Brown and his sister Tracey.
In the recordings, Tracey can be heard speaking to her brother about what occurred on Aug. 22.
Throughout the conversation, Decarlos mentions that he has “material” in his body that caused him to attack Zarutska.
“I just know it’s the material inside my body, though. They have to get removed because it’s making me a murderer,” Decarlos said during the call.
Decarlos also confirmed he did not know the victim prior to the incident.
“I don’t even know the lady. I never said one word to the lady; that’s scary, isn’t it? Why would I stab someone for no reason?” Decarlos elaborated.
Decarlos even mentioned that he didn’t believe he could be charged with murder.
“Before you actually charge me with murder, make sure it was me that did it, not the material. And I’m telling you the material did it,” Decarlos explained.
Decarlos then claimed that he had been trying to get the “material” removed and indicated that by stabbing Zarutska, the authorities would have to help him.
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“‘And so she just got stabbed?’ You know that’s not me; I’m talking about just for no reason. Since they did that, now they have to investigate the material in my body.”
Tracey said she and Decarlos were close; he even moved in with her after he was released from prison.
An ever-growing memorial has been created in remembrance of Zarutska near the East/West Boulevard Station.
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