Ukrainian refugee stabbed to death in 'random attack' on US train, Chilling video emerges

A 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee who fled the war was fatally stabbed in what police called a random attack on a Charlotte light rail train, the New York Post reported.

Iryna Zarutska, who worked at a local pizzeria, boarded the Lynx Blue Line on August 22 still in her uniform. Surveillance footage shows her scrolling on her phone moments before 34-year-old Decarlos Brown Jr., a homeless ex-convict, allegedly attacked her with a folding knife.

Police said Zarutska was stabbed three times, at least once in the neck. Video shows her clutching her throat before collapsing in her seat. She died on board.

Brown, whose criminal record dates back to 2011, exited at the next stop, where a knife was recovered. He was later arrested and charged with first-degree murder. Court records show past convictions for robbery and threats, as well as a January arrest for misusing 911.

The stabbing happened even though security guards were on another car of the train. Police arrived within six minutes. The killing has reignited concerns about safety on Charlotte’s transit system. Officials said they have tripled the safety budget, upgraded cameras, and will consider adding more police patrols later this month.

Zarutska’s family has raised more than $38,000 through a GoFundMe page. “She had recently arrived in the United States, seeking safety from the war and hoping for a new beginning. Tragically, her life was cut short far too soon,” the fundraiser read.

Police are still investigating the motive.