The 911 calls from the night of Iryna Zarutska’s fatal stabbing on a Charlotte light rail train have been released, revealing the panic and horror witnesses felt as they tried to get help for the 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee. The recordings, made public by the Charlotte–Mecklenburg Police Department, capture frantic voices describing the attack and its aftermath, providing a raw glimpse into one of the city’s most shocking crimes in recent years.
In one of the calls, a passenger can be heard shouting in disbelief, saying, “This man just stabbed this woman for no reason … she’s bleeding everywhere.” Others described Zarutska lying motionless on the train floor as bystanders attempted to stop the bleeding, with one caller telling dispatchers, “There’s just a lady right now on the ground with a lot of blood. People are freaking out. I think she’s gone.” Portions of the audio were redacted to protect the identities of those who called in.
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| Iryna Zarutska / Instagram |
According to police reports, Zarutska was attacked on August 22 while riding the Lynx Blue Line near the East/West Boulevard station. Authorities say the suspect, Decarlos Brown Jr., 34, stabbed her multiple times, including a fatal wound to the neck, before fleeing the train. He was arrested shortly after and now faces charges of first-degree murder in state court, as well as a federal charge of violence against mass transportation systems, which could carry the death penalty.
Brown’s long criminal history, combined with his documented struggles with schizophrenia, has sparked a heated debate in Charlotte about mental health intervention and public safety. His mother told local reporters that she had repeatedly sought involuntary commitment for him due to violent outbursts but was unsuccessful. The case has raised questions about how someone with a history of psychiatric crises and arrests was able to remain free, ultimately leading to this tragedy.
The release of the 911 audio has also intensified scrutiny of security measures on Charlotte’s light rail system. Witnesses say the attack happened within minutes of Zarutska boarding, with Brown sitting directly behind her before launching the unprovoked assault. In response, city officials have pledged to review safety protocols and consider additional security on trains.
Zarutska’s story has resonated deeply with the community. Having fled Ukraine in 2022 to escape the war, she had been building a new life in Charlotte before it was cut short. Friends, family, and community members have expressed grief and anger, saying her death could have been prevented with stronger protections and better support systems for the mentally ill.
As Brown awaits trial in both state and federal courts, the haunting audio serves as both evidence of the night’s chaos and a painful reminder of what was lost. For many, it underscores the urgent need for reform in mental health services, criminal justice accountability, and public safety on mass transit.
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