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A mural dedicated to Iryna Zarutska, a Ukrainian refugee who was tragically killed, has been defaced with spray paint.
The vandal left a message saying, “PLEASE VANDALIZE THIS.”
Shockingly, the mural had only been up for less than a fortnight before it was marred by graffiti.
Iryna Zarutska fled to the United States with her family, hoping to escape the devastation of war in Ukraine and start anew. She was actively learning English, gainfully employed, and striving to build a hopeful future. However, her dreams were abruptly shattered when she fell victim to an unprovoked attack by a man with a history of criminal behavior.
Surveillance footage captures Iryna boarding a train in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she quietly settled into her seat, engrossed in her phone. Sitting directly behind her was a man later identified as Carlos Brown Jr.
A close-up of Brown’s hands can be seen opening and unfolding the knife in order to prepare to stand up to stab Iryna. Although Iryna’s hat covers a lot of her face, the shock in her eyes, along with the terror she silently expressed during her final moments of life, bleeding out, surrounded by panic, is heartbreaking to watch.
The video also shows Brown, in an orange hoodie, walking the aisles of the train with blood dripping on the floor. One passenger notices blood drops and avoids stepping in them, while another witness on the phone with 911 tells them a man just stabbed a woman for no reason, and she needs help.
Moments after allegedly stabbing Iryna, Brown is captured on video nonchalantly walking the platform of the train station.
On the train, Brown was wearing a hoodie; now he is wearing a black t-shirt, with the now bloody hoodie wrapped around his hands.
In reaction to the shocking and violent death of Iryna Zarutska, North Carolina Governor Josh Stein just signed “Iryna’s Law” into effect, increasing checks on criminals getting out on bail and prohibiting cashless bail for some violent crimes and most repeat offenders.
A grand jury indicted Brown for the murder of Iryna, formally charging him with first-degree murder. Brown is being held without bond in the county jail, but an order was filed for him to be committed to Central Regional Hospital.
Allegedly, he has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and also has a lengthy rap sheet of criminal behavior.
Joining Nancy Grace today:
Additional Guest
- Susan Hendricks – Journalist, Author: “Down the Hill: My Descent into the Double Murder in Delphi;” IG @susan_hendricks X @SusanHendicks
“Crime Stories with Nancy Grace” on Fox Nation is also a national radio show on SiriusXM channel 111, airing for two hours daily starting at 12 p.m. EST. You can also subscribe and download the daily podcasts at iHeart Podcasts.
[Feature Photo: Flowers and photos are left near the tracks where Iryna Zarutska, who was fatally stabbed on a commuter train last month, Monday, Sept. 22, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)]