CHARLOTTE — Sources tell Channel 9 government reporter Joe Bruno that security was not onboard a light rail car when police say Decarlos Brown stabbed 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska in a random and sudden attack on Friday night.
While the suspect did not know the victim, new information reveals police were familiar with the suspect.
Previous Coverage:
- Local leaders demand action following deadly stabbing on light rail
- Woman flees war-torn Ukraine, killed on Charlotte light rail
- Suspect, victim identified in South End stabbing
According to an email sent to Charlotte City councilmembers and obtained by Bruno, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department officers had prior encounters with the suspect involving both criminal activity and instances where he appeared to be experiencing a mental health crisis.
The email said that in 2024, the suspect had three interactions with CMPD’s Community Policing Crisis Response Team, where he was referred to available resources.
Channel 9 is asking CMPD what these resources are, if he accepted any of them, if police have any recourse if they keep encountering someone who refuses help, and why Brown wasn’t arrested if he was accused of criminal activity. A CMPD spokesperson has not responded.
The Charlotte Area Transit System contracts with a private firm called Professional Security Services to serve as officers at the transit center on the light rail. These officers are in charge of doing regular patrols, fare enforcement, and general security.
A spokesperson for CATS told Bruno on Monday that the operator stopped the train and kept it at the East/West station in South End until police responded, which is protocol.
CATS hasn’t further commented on the attack.
A spokesperson for CMPD confirmed Zarutska did not know Brown. Brown has not yet been formally charged by CMPD. Police say he will face murder charges when discharged from the hospital. Brown has not yet appeared before a judge.
As Channel 9 reported Monday, Brown has a lengthy criminal history. He served more than five years in prison for armed robbery.
In January 2025, he was arrested on a charge of misusing the 911 system. Police say he called 911 and claimed someone gave him “man-made material” that was controlling what he ate and how he talked and walked. Last month, his public defender questioned his mental ability to proceed to trial. The judge ordered a forensic evaluation.
‘There needs to be a change’
This incident comes after the city and its security services provider implemented measures over the past eight months to enhance security, including strategically placing security personnel, enforcing fare compliance, and banning repeat offenders.
“I have not been back on the train since that incident,” said Heather Kilpatrick, who was previously confronted by a knife-wielding stranger on the light rail.
“I just hope that this raises, there needs to be a change with CATS, and the security,” Kilpatrick added.
Kilpatrick and her co-worker were confronted by a stranger with a knife on the light rail in December 2023. The stranger threatened to kill people, but Kilpatrick and her co-worker escaped unharmed.
Kilpatrick had previously warned about potential dangers on the light rail, saying, “Just urging, like, something’s gonna happen, it’s just a matter of time.”
Jenny Brude, a regular commuter, expressed her concerns, stating, “People have harassed other people; you can tell that they’re probably not mentally well.”
Brude, who commutes solo, noted that she feels more secure during morning rush hours due to a noticeable security presence.
However, she feels that security is lacking in the afternoons and evenings, which she believes is when more security is needed.
Brude mentioned that she remains vigilant while commuting, saying, “I may have earbuds in, but I’m always paying attention, honestly.”
As well as hiring more security personnel, CATS and their security contractor said they’re currently in the process of developing a special operations team that will focus on the areas of highest need.
‘Thoughts and prayers’
In response to an inquiry from Channel 9, Mayor Vi Lyles released a statement on the stabbing. She said the community needs to invest in mental health resources and that the light rail is safe.
“First and foremost, my thoughts and prayers go out to the young women’s family and friends.
“This is a tragic situation that sheds light on problems with society safety nets related to mental healthcare and the systems that should be in place. As we come to understand what happened and why, we must look at the entire situation. While I do not know the specifics of the man’s medical record, what I have come to understand is that he has long struggled with mental health and appears to have suffered a crisis. This was the unfortunate and tragic outcome. While there are questions about the safety and security of our transit system and our city, I do know there have been significant and sustained efforts to address safety and security within our transit system and across our city.
“Charlotte is by and large a safe city. CATS by and large is a safe transit system. However, tragic incidents like these should force us to look at what we are doing across our community to address root causes. We will never arrest our way out issues such homelessness and mental health. I am committed to doing the hard work with Mecklenburg County, community leaders, health care service providers, and the private sector to ensure that Charlotte continues to be one of the best cities in the world, with the highest quality of life for everyone.
“I want to be clear that I am not villainizing those who struggle with their mental health or those who are unhoused. Mental health disease is just that – a disease like any other than needs to be treated with the same compassion, diligence and commitment as cancer or heart disease. Our community must work to address the underlying issue of access to mental healthcare.
“Also, those who are unhoused are more frequently the victim of crimes and not the perpetrators. Too many people who are on the street need a safe place to sleep and wrap around services to lift them up.
“We, as a community, must do better for those members of our community who need help and have no place to go.”
VIDEO: Woman stabbed to death on light rail had fled war-torn Ukraine
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