Newly Surfaced Video Shows Ukrainian Refugee Iryna Zarutska’s Alleged Killer Walk Away from Train After Fatal Stabbing

Recently released surveillance footage shows the moments after Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska was fatally stabbed aboard a light rail train in North Carolina — and her alleged killer slowly leaving the scene.

In video obtained by the New York Post and published Saturday, Oct. 18, Decarlos Brown Jr., accused of murdering the 23-year-old, can be seen wandering the platform of Charlotte’s Lynx Blue Line on Aug. 22. As passengers rush out of the train car calling for help, Brown, 34, appears to hold a red hoodie — the same one witnesses say he wore during the attack.

Another clip obtained by the outlet reportedly shows Brown crossing the street to another platform, seemingly smoking and talking to himself. Moments later, four police officers rush in, tackling him to the ground before handcuffing and searching him.

Zarutska had been riding a Charlotte Area Transit System train just before 10 p.m. local time on Aug. 22 when she was stabbed multiple times. According to an affidavit cited by ABC News, she was seated in an aisle seat directly in front of her attacker when “the suspect pulls a knife out of his pocket, unfolds the knife, pauses, then stands up, and strikes at the victim three times.”

“Blood visibly drips on the floor as the defendant walks away from the victim. The victim goes unresponsive shortly after the attack,” the affidavit continues, noting there appeared to be no prior interaction between Zarutska and the suspect.

Brown was charged with first-degree murder on Aug. 28, according to WBTV. Later, the Justice Department announced that he would face an additional federal charge of committing an act causing death on a mass transportation system, a crime that carries a potential death penalty.

CNN reported that Brown had prior convictions for armed robbery, felony larceny, and breaking and entering. His mother told the outlet he had been struggling with homelessness and mental health challenges.

According to her obituary, Zarutska — an artist from Kyiv — had moved to the U.S. with her mother, sister, and brother to escape the war. She was working at a pizza parlor and taking community college classes to improve her English while pursuing her dream of becoming a veterinary assistant.

“She was a kind and hardworking young woman, deeply loved by her family and friends,” said family attorney Lauren O. Newton in a statement. “That night, she texted her boyfriend that she would be home soon. Tragically, her journey ended in violence near the Camden light rail station.”

The disturbing video of the attack has since ignited political debate over crime and public safety. Zarutska’s family has asked the media to stop sharing the footage.

“This brutal attack on an innocent woman simply trying to get to her destination is an attack on the American way of life,” said U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson for the Western District of North Carolina. “Iryna deserves justice, and we will bring justice to her and her family.”