CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) – The 911 calls from the August night that 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska was killed on a Charlotte light rail in were released on Wednesday to WBTV.
On Wednesday, Oct. 1, Charlotte police released to WBTV the 911 calls made after the deadly stabbing of Zarutska on Friday, Aug. 22. WBTV requested the calls after the stabbing.
At around 9:50 p.m. that night, Zarutska was stabbed at least three times while sitting on the light rail, and died on the light rail car. A man named Decarlos Brown Jr. has since been charged locally and federally in connection with Zarutska’s murder.
One 911 caller from the night of the stabbing appeared to be emotional as they tried to describe what they believed happened. The caller could be heard telling the 911 operator that a woman was stabbed on the light rail for “no reason.”
- 911 caller: “We on the train. This man just f—ing stabbed this woman for no reason. I was standing right beside her.”
- 911 operator: “You said a male stabbed someone for no reason? Do they need Medic?”
- 911 caller: “Yeah, it was on the train. Yes, she’s f—ing bleeding.
- 911 caller: “Oh my god, he just f—ing stabbed her to death.”
Later in the 911 call, the caller can be heard asking, “Why the —- did he do that for?”
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A few more 911 calls related to the stabbing were released to WBTV on Wednesday.
A majority of those callers expressed what happened and where, sharing details that are now already known to the public.
Iryna Zarutska reportedly stabbed several times on Aug. 22
23-year-old killed on Aug. 22
At around 9:50 p.m. on Aug. 22, a light rail passenger apparently stabbed Iryna Zarutska several times. Officials said she was stabbed in the throat at least one time.
Zarutska died on the light rail.
The 23-year-old victim had come to the United States to escape the war in Ukraine.(Iryna Zarutska Instagram)
Brown, 34, was arrested soon after and charged with first-degree murder in connection with Zarutska’s killing. A federal charge was also brought against Brown in September.
Brown was ordered to remain in jail and undergo a competency evaluation.
In January 2025, Brown was arrested for misuse of 911. Police officers wrote that Brown believed “someone gave him a ‘man-made’ material that controlled when he ate, walked, talked.”
—> More: Timeline: What we know about Charlotte light rail stabbing suspect’s criminal history
Stabbing happened within minutes of Zarutska boarding
Graphic video obtained on Sept. 5 shows that the attack happened within minutes of Zarutska getting on the light rail, as officials previously reported.
At 9:46 p.m. on Aug. 22, Zarutska entered the train and sat down in front of Brown.
Brown allegedly attacked Zarutska at 9:50 p.m.
At 9:52 p.m., at least one bystander could be seen running to Zarutska to render aid.
About 30 seconds later, Brown exited the train at its next stop.
Authorities reportedly found Brown shortly after the deadly stabbing. He was taken to the hospital for a laceration on the outside of his hand, and then charged with murder after his release from the hospital.
It was not clear exactly how Brown was injured in the attack.
It was believed that Zarutska and Brown did not know each other. A motive for the stabbing was not immediately clear.
—> Related: Health records for man charged in deadly Charlotte light rail stabbing must be released, judge orders
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