Federal charges announced in Charlotte murder

US Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina Russ Ferguson has announced federal charges against Decarlos Brown Jr. in the Aug. 22 murder of 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska on a Charlotte light rail. 

“This brutal attack on an innocent woman simply trying to get to her destination is an attack on the American way of life,” said Ferguson. “Of course, crimes like this affect the victim the most — Iryna deserves justice, and we will bring justice to her and her family. But crimes like this also affect everyone who relies on mass transportation to get to and from work and go about their daily lives, and federal charges are necessary to protect the public and ensure confidence in our transportation systems.” 

Ferguson told reporters at a Tuesday press conference that Brown is being charged under 18 US Code § 1992 for violence on mass transportation. The maximum penalty for a conviction could be life in prison without parole or the death penalty. 

James Barnacle Jr., the FBI Charlotte special agent in charge says Americans should be able to travel without the fear of violence. 

“Iryna Zarutska had likely taken that train ride many times before. She was probably tired after a day at work and just wanted to go home, but tragically she never made it,” said Barnacle. “We hope this federal charge will help bring her family a measure of justice and the courts will hold the subject charged in this horrific act accountable. Everyone in this country deserves to go work, to school, or just across town without fear of being attacked.” 

Attorney General Pam Bondi continued to spotlight the policies she says enabled this tragedy, echoing similar remarks made this week by President Trump, NC House Speaker Destin Hall, NC Senate Leader Phil Berger, and others. 

“Iryna Zarutska was a young woman living the American dream — her horrific murder is a direct result of failed soft-on-crime policies that put criminals before innocent people,” said Bondi. “I have directed my attorneys to federally prosecute DeCarlos Brown Jr., a repeat violent offender with a history of violent crime, for murder. We will seek the maximum penalty for this unforgivable act of violence — he will never again see the light of day as a free man.” 

FBI Director Kash Patel says he appreciates the joint efforts in delivering justice for Iryna and her family. 

“The brutal attack on Iryna Zarutska on the Charlotte Light Rail was a disgraceful act that should never happen in America,” Patel said. “The FBI jumped to assist in this investigation immediately to ensure justice is served and the perpetrator is never released from jail to kill again. I want to thank Attorney General Bondi for her pursuit of today’s federal charges, which are the first step toward delivering justice for Iryna and her family — as well as the millions of Americans who deserve to live in our great American cities free from being targeted by violent criminals.” 

“Federal charges announced in Charlotte murder” was originally published on www.carolinajournal.com.