Killer of Ukrainian refugee in US confesses crime in recorded call
On August 28, 2025, Decarlos Brown, accused of murdering 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska on a train in Charlotte, United States, admitted to the crime in a phone call with his sister, Tracey Brown. The audio, released by the Daily Mail, reveals the perpetrator confessing to stabbing the young woman, who fled the war in Ukraine in 2022, without knowing her or having any apparent motive. The crime, described as random by authorities, shocked the local community and raised questions about safety in public transportation and mental health. Brown, who claimed to be under “mind control” by the government, faces federal and state charges, including first-degree murder. Security camera footage shows Zarutska, still in her pizza shop uniform, being attacked on the train.
The recorded call, obtained six days after the murder on August 22, exposes disturbing details. Brown told his sister he injured his hand while stabbing the victim, underscoring the brutality of the attack. He also expressed surprise at his actions, questioning why someone would commit such an act without reason. Authorities classified the crime as “unprovoked,” highlighting the lack of any prior relationship between the perpetrator and the victim.
- Key case points:
- Iryna Zarutska, 23, was killed on a Charlotte train.
- Decarlos Brown confessed to the crime in a call with his sister.
- The attack was described as random by authorities.
- Brown faces first-degree murder charges.
Crime details and investigation
The murder of Iryna Zarutska occurred on a Charlotte public transit train around 7 p.m. on August 22, 2025. The young woman, who had escaped the war in Ukraine seeking safety in the US, worked at a local pizza shop and was returning home when attacked. Security footage shows Zarutska cornered by Brown moments before the crime. Charlotte police acted swiftly, arresting the suspect hours after the incident based on footage and witness accounts.
The investigation revealed that Brown, 32, had no prior connection to the victim. The attack, according to prosecutors, was an isolated act with no clear racial or political motives, though Brown mentioned “mind control” by the government in his call. Federal prosecutors announced he was indicted for causing a death on a public transit system, a rare charge reflecting the case’s severity. At the state level, Brown faces first-degree murder charges, with the possibility of life imprisonment.
She fled the war, only to be killed in the United States.
— Marta Havryshko (@HavryshkoMarta) September 6, 2025
Twenty-three-year-old Ukrainian Irina Zarutska was fatally stabbed in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The attacker was a 34-year-old man named Decarlos Brown Jr., who has since been detained. pic.twitter.com/bsRktu6NxC
Victim profile: who was Iryna Zarutska
Iryna Zarutska arrived in the United States in 2022 after fleeing Ukraine due to the Russian invasion. Settled in Charlotte, she worked at a pizza shop to support her new life. Friends and colleagues described her as a determined young woman rebuilding her life after the trauma of war. Her death sparked outrage in the local Ukrainian community, which held vigils in her honor.
- Aspects of Iryna’s life:
- Refugee from the war in Ukraine, arrived in the US in 2022.
- Worked at a pizza shop in Charlotte.
- Known for her resilience and dreams of a new life.
- Her death mobilized the local community in memorials.
Zarutska’s family, still in Ukraine, expressed devastation over the loss. In a statement, they demanded justice and noted that Iryna saw the US as a safe place to start over. The crime’s brutality, coupled with its apparent lack of motive, heightened the case’s emotional impact.
Perpetrator’s mental health history
Decarlos Brown’s family reported that he had faced mental health issues for years. During the call with his sister, Brown mentioned suffering from “mind control” by the government, a claim that, according to prosecutors’ experts, may indicate delusions or psychological disorders. However, prosecutors argue these claims do not exempt Brown from criminal responsibility, as he showed clarity in describing the attack.
Brown’s defense is expected to use his mental health history as a mitigating factor in the trial. Legal experts note that such cases often spark debates about the intersection of mental health and criminal responsibility. Prosecutors, however, emphasize the attack’s premeditation, based on security footage showing Brown directly approaching the victim.
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- Mental health factors:
- Brown claimed to suffer from “mind control” by the government.
- Family confirmed his history of psychological issues.
- Defense may use this as an argument in the trial.
- Prosecutors highlight Brown’s clarity in confessing the crime.
Community reaction and public safety
Zarutska’s murder reignited discussions about safety in US public transportation systems. In Charlotte, local authorities announced increased police presence on trains and stations, along with plans to install more surveillance cameras. Community leaders criticized the lack of preventive measures before the incident, noting that random attacks, though rare, generate widespread fear.
The Ukrainian community in Charlotte organized peaceful protests, calling for greater protection for immigrants and refugees. Human rights organizations also spoke out, urging that the case not be treated as an isolated incident but as a call for public policies addressing safety and mental health.
Context of random crimes in the US
The case of Iryna Zarutska is not isolated in the context of violent crimes in US public transit. Data from the US Department of Transportation shows a 15% increase in violent incidents on trains and subways between 2020 and 2024, with 1,200 cases recorded in 2024 alone. While most involve thefts or minor assaults, homicides like the one in Charlotte stand out for their brutality.
- Public transit violence statistics:
- 15% increase in violent crimes between 2020 and 2024.
- 1,200 incidents recorded in trains and subways in 2024.
- Homicides account for less than 2% of cases but have significant impact.
- Charlotte recorded 10 violent incidents on trains in 2025.
Experts point to untreated mental health issues and limited access to social services as contributing factors to such incidents. In response, cities like New York and Los Angeles have implemented social assistance programs at subway stations, but Charlotte has yet to adopt similar measures.
Impact on the Ukrainian community
Zarutska’s death deeply shook the Ukrainian community in the US, already grappling with adaptation challenges and war-related trauma. Refugee support organizations, such as the Ukrainian American Association, launched fundraising campaigns for Zarutska’s family and programs to aid immigrant integration. Vigils in Charlotte drew hundreds, including Americans and other immigrants, who left flowers and messages of support at the crime scene.
The tragedy also sparked discussions about the vulnerability of refugees in large cities. Community leaders are calling for increased government support, such as access to safe housing and mental health services, to prevent immigrants from being exposed to risky situations.
- Ukrainian community initiatives:
- Vigils in honor of Iryna in Charlotte.
- Fundraising campaigns for the victim’s family.
- Calls for more support for refugees in the US.
- Focus on safety for immigrants in urban areas.
Next steps in the case
Decarlos Brown’s trial is set to begin in November 2025, with prosecutors seeking the maximum penalty for first-degree murder. The defense is expected to argue that Brown’s mental health issues influenced his actions, though the recorded confession may complicate this strategy. The Charlotte community closely follows the case, hoping justice brings some relief to Zarutska’s family and answers for such a shocking crime.
The case may also influence local safety policies. Charlotte council members are discussing measures like mental health screenings for at-risk passengers and enhanced training for transit security. Meanwhile, Iryna Zarutska’s legacy lives on in the community’s efforts to turn tragedy into a call for change.
