Charlotte city leaders question CATS safety after murder on light rail

CHARLOTTE, NC — The Queen City’s crown seems tarnished after more deadly violence in the city. This time it was the murder of a woman in South End, a prime area for Friday nightlife.

“People have told me in the last couple of days that they are afraid to ride the public busses especially after recent violent incidents,” said Charlotte City Councilwoman Dimple Ajmera.

Councilmembers Ajmera and Edwin Peacock both requested reports from Charlotte’s city manager at Monday night’s city council meeting.

On Friday, 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee, Ira Zarutska, was stabbed to death on the light rail in South End. CMPD says Decarlos Brown, a homeless man with an extensive criminal background, killed her. Leaving people in the area feeling uneasy about public transportation.

Councilmembers say they want to see the criminal activity in the last three years and what CATS and CMPDs response was.

We reached out to the city and to CATS asking them to address safety concerns. The city says CATS is still working on a response.