Judge denies bond for accused light rail killer

CHARLOTTE, NC — A sweet angel. That’s how Iryna Zarutska’s uncle described the 23-year-old stabbing victim Friday morning in court, as he asked the judge to deny bond to her accused killer, Decarlos Brown.

Brown was officially arrested on Thursday for Zarutska’s murder on the light rail in South End last week. he’d been in the hospital up until his arrest. He had his first court appearance on Friday.

The judge denied Brown bond. Pointing to his long criminal record which includes assault on a female, larceny, breaking and entering, and robbery. He served nearly 8 and a half years in prison. Brown was released in September of 2020.

An affidavit obtained by WCCB shows Zarutska sat down in front of Brown on the light rail the night of August 22nd. Family says she was on her way home from work. About five minutes into the ride, the report states Brown stood up, grabbed a knife from his pocket and stabbed the Zarutska in the neck. She died on the train.

Zarutska’s family was featured in Huntersville Living in May 2023. The article states Iryna graduated from a community college in Kyiv and moved to America in August of 2022 with her three siblings.

Brown is due back in court September 19th.