Family of Ukrainian refugee murdered on Charlotte light rail calls for public safety reform

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WJZY) – The family of Iryna Zarutska, the woman who was murdered on the Blue Line train on Aug. 22, is calling for justice and public safety reform.

The 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee was stabbed to death while riding the light rail, just minutes from her home. The suspect, Decarlos Brown Jr., was charged with first-degree murder and on Tuesday, the federal causing

a death on a mass transportation system. 

Zarutska’s family is being represented by Charlotte law firm Tin Fulton Walker & Owen. The statement comes a day after a wave of national attention and criticism to Charlotte officials more than two weeks after the crime occured.

They say she had built a new life in Charlotte after moving here three years ago. She was working full-time at a local pizzeria — she was wearing a shirt for it at the time of her killing — while attending community college to improve her English.  

“That night, she texted her boyfriend that she would be home soon,” they said. “Her loved ones became alarmed when she did not arrive to her apartment at the anticipated time and her phone’s location alerted them that she was still at the station. Upon arriving at the station, they were devastated to learn that Iryna had died at the scene.” 

The train’s surveillance footage was released to the public on Friday. The family is urging the public and media to “respect Iryna’s dignity and their grief” by not sharing the footage of her killing. 

“We are heartbroken beyond words,” said a family spokesperson. “Iryna came here to find peace and safety, and instead her life was stolen from her in the most horrific way. No family should have to go through this.” 

Seeking change

The family’s immediate priority is to ensure the man responsible for Zarutska’s murder is brought to justice and remains behind bars. However, they are also calling attention to public safety, sharing concerns over a perceived lack of:

• Security presence on the CATS Blue Line,
• Oversight in the contract between CATS and Professional Security Services (PSS), and
• Further safety measures.

The family is demanding a full investigation into the circumstances leading up to Zarutska’s death, alleging including lapses in security protocols and failures within the public transportation system. 

“This could have been anyone riding the light rail that night,” said the family. “We are committed to making sure this never happens again.” 

On Monday, Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles announced immediate changes to security on CATS properties, including adding Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police officers.

“These changes will allow CATS to fully execute the transit system policing plan, including the Blue Line,” she said. 

Brown is being held in the Mecklenburg County jail without bond.