The man accused of fatally stabbing 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska aboard a Charlotte light rail train has been found mentally incompetent to stand trial, putting the state murder case on hold.
CHARLOTTE, NC — The man accused of randomly slaughtering a young Ukrainian refugee on a light rail train has now been ruled mentally incompetent to stand trial, halting the state case for now.
According to newly filed court documents, 34-year-old Decarlos Brown Jr. has been deemed “incapable to proceed” after a psychological evaluation at Central Regional Hospital in December 2025. That means Brown currently cannot understand the charges against him or assist in his own defense, forcing the court to hit pause on the prosecution.
His public defender is now asking a judge to delay a key hearing for up to six months while Brown remains in federal custody.
A RANDOM, CAUGHT-ON-CAMERA ATTACK
The case stems from a horrifying and seemingly unprovoked killing that unfolded on August 22, 2025, aboard a Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) Lynx Blue Line train.
23-year-old Ukrainian refugee, Iryna Zarutska, boarded the train and sat down—completely unaware of what was about to happen.
Just minutes later, Brown—who had been sitting directly behind her—allegedly waited about four minutes, then pulled out a pocketknife and stabbed her repeatedly in the neck and body from behind.
Passengers rushed to help as Brown casually walked away from the scene.
Zarutska later died from her injuries.
Brown was arrested shortly afterward on the platform.
A LIFE CUT SHORT AFTER FLEEING WAR
Zarutska’s death has been especially heartbreaking given her story. She had fled the war in Ukraine in search of safety and a better life in the United States—only to be killed in what authorities believe was a random act of violence.
Family members described her as a hardworking young woman who regularly used public transit to get home from work.
STATE CASE STALLED — BUT FEDERAL CASE MOVING
While the state murder case is now on hold, Brown’s legal troubles are far from over. He is also facing a federal indictment for violence against a mass transportation system resulting in death—a much more serious charge that could carry the death penalty.
Prosecutors have already said they intend to pursue capital punishment in the federal case.
TROUBLED HISTORY: MENTAL HEALTH & CRIMINAL RECORD
Court records paint a troubling picture of Brown’s past. He reportedly had more than a dozen prior cases in Mecklenburg County, including an armed robbery conviction that landed him in prison from 2015 to 2020.
After his release, family members say he was diagnosed with schizophrenia, exhibited violent behavior, and refused to take medication. His mother even attempted to have him involuntarily committed, but that request was denied.
In January 2025, just months before the deadly stabbing, Brown was arrested after repeatedly calling 911 from a hospital, claiming a mysterious force was controlling his body.
Authorities say he had been living homeless leading up to the attack.
Everything, now hinges on whether Brown can be restored to competency—a process that typically involves psychiatric treatment. If doctors determine he can eventually understand the proceedings, the state murder case could resume.
If not, the case could face significant delays—or even dismissal at the state level.
