The Department of Justice has announced federal charges against Decarlos Dejuan Brown Jr. for the stabbing death of Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee, on a Charlotte, North Carolina train. Brown, 34, faces one count of causing death on a mass transportation system. Attorney General Pam Bondi stated the DOJ will seek the “maximum penalty,” emphasizing the attack was tied to “failed soft-on-crime policies.”
Brown, who has a prior criminal record including felony larceny, robbery with a dangerous weapon, assault, and threats, was arrested Thursday and remains under a ‘no bond’ order. He previously served a five-year sentence for robbery with a deadly weapon in 2014 and is currently homeless. FBI Director Kash Patel described the attack as a “disgraceful act that should never happen in America,” vowing to ensure the perpetrator faces justice.
The incident occurred on August 22, prompting immediate federal involvement. No details about the victim’s background beyond her status as a Ukrainian refugee were provided in the DOJ’s statement.
