Lost But Never Forgotten
On August 22, 2025, Iryna Zarutska, 23 Ukrainian refugee who had fled the war in Ukraine and settled in Charlotte, North Carolina. Surveillance video shows her sitting in the seat in front of Brown. Without apparent provocation or prior interaction, he pulled out a folding pocketknife, stood, and stabbed her multiple times. She collapsed and was pronounced dead at the scene.
He had a lengthy criminal record with roughly 14 prior arrests over about a dozen years, including convictions for robbery with a dangerous weapon, larceny, and breaking and entering. He was described as homeless at times and had a history of mental illness; family members stated he had been diagnosed with schizophrenia, experienced hallucinations/paranoia, and that his mother had sought involuntary commitment after he became violent.
Judges have ordered treatment, medication and hospitalization for evaluation/restoration of competency, while he remains in custody. Proceedings have been delayed accordingly.
