In a significant development, the individual accused of murdering Iryna Zarutska now confronts federal charges that may lead to the death penalty, as recent reports have indicated.

Decarlos Brown Jr., 34, stands accused of the fatal stabbing of the Ukrainian woman aboard a light rail train in Charlotte. A federal grand jury has formally indicted him, according to a report from ABC News.

On Wednesday, the grand jury filed charges against Brown for committing violence against a railroad carrier and a mass transportation system resulting in death, a crime considered a capital offense under federal legislation.

Iryna Zarutska, originally from Ukraine, had sought refuge in the United States to escape the ongoing war but tragically lost her life in Charlotte due to this violent act. (Evgeniya Rush/GoFundMe)

The charges are related to the incident on August 22nd, where 23-year-old Zarutska was killed in an attack that authorities have labeled as unprovoked, taking place on the Lynx Blue Line light rail.

According to prosecutors and court documents, surveillance video shows Zarutska entering the train car and sitting in front of Brown. 

About four minutes later, Brown allegedly pulled a knife from his pocket and stabbed her three times from behind. 

Iryna Zarutska cowers as her attacker towers over her. (NewsNation via Charlotte Area Transit System)

There appeared to be no prior interaction between the two before the attack, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by the outlet.

After the stabbing, Brown allegedly walked away while other passengers called for help. 

Zarutska was pronounced dead on the train, and responding officers arrested Brown minutes later on the light rail platform. 

A pocketknife believed to be the murder weapon was also recovered nearby.

Iryna Zarutska and a light rail platform in Charlotte, N.C.. (Associated Press)

Records from the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction show Brown has a prior criminal history, including convictions for larceny, breaking and entering and armed robbery. 

He served five years in prison starting in 2015.

Zarutska had emigrated from Ukraine with her family and escaped the war there to start over in the U.S.