A grand jury has indicted the man accused of fatally stabbing a Ukrainian refugee on a Charlotte light rail train, a case that has intensified concerns about violence on the city’s transit system.

According to Mecklenburg Superior Court records, Decarlos Dejuan Brown Jr. has been formally charged with first-degree murder in the death of Iryna Zarutska. 

Prosecutors allege that on Aug. 22, 2025, Brown unlawfully and intentionally killed Zarutska in what investigators described as a random act of violence.

The indictment states the act was committed “with malice aforethought,” a phrase used in North Carolina law to indicate the crime was carried out willfully and with intent.

Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles addressed the issue, reiterating the city’s dedication to enhancing public safety.

“City leaders have been working to improve safety in our community and on our transit system and we will continue to do so,” Lyles wrote in a post on X. 

Lyles said some of the changes underway included increased security presence, adding nearly “30 additional security personnel” to the Blue Line.

“We are committed to working with everyone to ensure that our community continues to be safe. I believe in Charlotte, and we will come out stronger together,” Lyles wrote. 

At a recent press briefing, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said the brutality of Brown’s crime has prompted prosecutors to keep all options on the table.

“This young woman died a horrific, horrific death, as we all saw, captured on video. It was horrible.” Bondi said. “The steps are, we charge, then we indict. Then, legally, we make the decision whether or not to seek the death penalty. That is certainly on the table once he is indicted for this horrific crime.” 

A decision on whether to pursue capital punishment is expected later in the legal process.

Fox News Digital reached out to Brown’s lawyer for comment, but did not immediately receive a response. 

Stepheny Price covers crime including missing persons, homicides and migrant crime. Story tips: stepheny.price@fox.com.