A Life Full of Promise
Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee, carried with her a heart full of dreams when she fled the war-torn landscapes of Ukraine in 2022. Escaping the devastation of Russia’s invasion, she sought safety and a fresh start in Charlotte, North Carolina. With her mother, two younger siblings, and later her boyfriend, Stas Nikulytsia, Iryna embraced the promise of the American Dream. She was a vibrant young woman, known for her kindness, creativity, and passion for life. A graduate of Synergy College in Kyiv with a degree in Art and Restoration, Iryna was building a new life in the United States, working full-time at Zepeddie’s, a local pizzeria, and taking community college classes to improve her English. Her infectious optimism and resilience touched everyone she met, from coworkers to neighbors in Charlotte’s vibrant NoDa arts district, where she and Stas had recently moved into a trendy apartment together.
Iryna’s story was one of hope and determination. Having survived the horrors of war, she was determined to create a future filled with love and stability. She and Stas, described as her “life partner” in her obituary, were deeply in love, and their plans for a shared future were taking shape. The couple had been living together for a year, and their bond was evident in the joyful moments they shared—sipping cocktails, enjoying barbecues, and dancing with friends. Iryna’s social media posts reflected her excitement about her new life, with one review on her apartment building’s website in June praising the beauty and diversity of NoDa. But the dream that shone brightest for Iryna and Stas was their upcoming wedding, planned for October 2025. It was to be a celebration of their love, a milestone marking their new beginning in a country that promised safety and opportunity. Tragically, that dream was shattered on August 22, 2025, when Iryna’s life was taken in a senseless act of violence.
A Fateful Night on the Lynx Blue Line
On the evening of August 22, Iryna finished her shift at Zepeddie’s and boarded the Lynx Blue Line, a light rail train in Charlotte, to head home. It was a routine journey, one she had taken countless times before. She texted Stas to let him know she was on her way, a simple message filled with the promise of returning to the safety of their shared apartment. The couple’s home, located just minutes from the train platform, had a private entrance directly on the Blue Line, making the commute quick and convenient. But that night, Iryna would not make it home.
As she sat quietly in an aisle seat, Iryna was unaware of the danger behind her. Decarlos Brown Jr., a 34-year-old man with a history of criminal activity, was seated nearby. In what authorities described as an unprovoked and random attack, Brown stabbed Iryna multiple times in the neck. The brutal assault, captured on the train’s surveillance footage, ended Iryna’s life in moments. When she failed to arrive home at the expected time, her family grew alarmed. Using her phone’s location system, they discovered she was still at the Camden light rail station. Rushing to the scene, they were met with the devastating news: Iryna had been pronounced dead at the scene. The vibrant young woman, who had escaped war only to seek peace in America, was gone.
A Family’s Heartbreak
Iryna’s family, who had fled Ukraine alongside her in 2023 to escape the Russia-Ukraine war, was shattered by the loss. In a statement issued through their lawyers, they expressed their grief: “We are heartbroken beyond words. Iryna came here to find peace and safety, and instead, her life was stolen from her in the most horrific way.” The family had pinned their hopes on a new life in Charlotte, where Iryna was thriving. She was not only a daughter and sister but also a beacon of hope for her loved ones, who saw in her the courage to rebuild after unimaginable hardship. Her mother and siblings, who had initially settled with her uncle’s family in the quiet suburb of Huntersville, were devastated by the sudden and violent end to her life.
The family’s pain was compounded by the knowledge that Iryna and Stas were preparing for their wedding in October. The couple had been making plans, filled with excitement for the future. Iryna, with her love for art and beauty, had likely envisioned a celebration that reflected her vibrant spirit. Her family had been eagerly anticipating the day when they would see her walk down the aisle, a moment that would symbolize not only her love for Stas but also her triumph over the challenges of her past. Instead, they were left to mourn the loss of a bride-to-be whose life was cut short just weeks before her wedding day.
Stas Nikulytsia’s Grief and Outrage
Stas Nikulytsia, Iryna’s boyfriend and fiancé, has been vocal about his grief and anger in the wake of her murder. Described as her “life partner,” Stas shared a deep bond with Iryna, one that was evident in the heartfelt tributes he posted on social media. In one Instagram story, he shared a photo of the couple in swimsuits, accompanied by a broken heart emoji and a mushroom, a symbol Iryna loved. He also changed his Instagram bio to include these symbols as a personal tribute to her memory. Stas’s anguish was palpable as he spoke out about the tragedy, revealing the couple’s plans for their October wedding. “We were going to start our life together,” he said in a statement reported by the Daily Mail. “She was my everything, and now she’s gone.”
Stas’s grief has been coupled with outrage over the circumstances of Iryna’s death. He has publicly criticized the judicial system, particularly the decision to release Decarlos Brown Jr., the alleged killer, back onto the streets despite his criminal history. In anguished Instagram posts, Stas questioned why Brown, described as a “career criminal,” was free to commit such a heinous act. His frustration echoed the sentiments of Iryna’s family, who have called for justice and sweeping public safety reforms. The fact that Brown had been released prior to the attack, despite warnings from his own mother about his dangerous behavior, has fueled a broader conversation about systemic failures in the justice system.
A Community in Mourning
Iryna’s death sent shockwaves through Charlotte and beyond, touching the hearts of friends, coworkers, and strangers alike. At Zepeddie’s, where Iryna worked, a candle remains lit in her honor, symbolizing “the warmth, kindness, and light she brought to our lives every day.” Tributes poured in from the community, with many sharing stories of Iryna’s compassion and resilience. A GoFundMe page launched in her memory has raised over $48,000, reflecting the outpouring of support for her family. Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles addressed the tragedy, thanking media outlets and community members for respecting the family’s request not to share the graphic surveillance footage of the attack. “The video of the heartbreaking attack that took Iryna Zarutska’s life is now public,” she wrote in an X post. “I want to thank our media partners and community members who have chosen not to repost or share the footage out of respect for Iryna’s family.”
The tragedy has also sparked broader conversations about public safety and violence in public spaces. Edwin Peacock, a Charlotte City Council member, wrote on Facebook, “A week ago tonight, 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska, a refugee from Ukraine, was brutally killed on our light rail.” The incident has prompted demands for stronger security measures on Charlotte’s public transit system, with Iryna’s family urging accountability from the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) and its contractors. The senseless nature of the attack, coupled with Brown’s criminal history, has fueled outrage and calls for reform, with many questioning how such a tragedy could occur on a system meant to be safe for all.
A Call for Justice
The legal response to Iryna’s murder has been swift, with Decarlos Brown Jr. facing federal charges, including one count of committing an act causing death on a mass transportation system. Attorney General Pam Bondi, who is pursuing the harshest possible sentence, described Iryna’s murder as “a direct result of failed soft-on-crime policies that put criminals before innocent people.” FBI Director Kash Patel echoed this sentiment, calling the attack “a disgraceful act that should never happen in America.” The family’s demand for justice is not only about holding Brown accountable but also about addressing systemic issues that allowed a repeat offender to remain free.
Iryna’s death has also become a focal point in national discussions about crime and public safety. Some political figures have used the tragedy to advocate for stricter policies, while others, like the family, emphasize the need for practical reforms without turning Iryna’s death into a political weapon. The US Attorney for Western North Carolina, visibly emotional after speaking with Iryna’s mother and uncle, expressed solidarity with the family, stating, “Our hearts go out to Iryna’s family. They are suffering.”
A Legacy of Kindness
Despite the overwhelming grief, Iryna’s family and Stas are determined to honor her memory. Her obituary described her as a “kind soul with a passion for animals and art,” someone who left a lasting impression on everyone she met. The tributes left at Zepeddie’s and the funds raised through the GoFundMe page are testaments to the impact she had in her short time in Charlotte. Her family has asked that her dignity be respected, urging the public not to share the surveillance footage of her death. Instead, they want her to be remembered for her creativity, her resilience, and the love she shared with those around her.
The wedding that was to take place in October will never happen, but Iryna’s spirit lives on in the memories of those who loved her. For Stas, the loss of his fiancée is a wound that will never fully heal. For her family, the pain of losing a daughter and sister is compounded by the knowledge that she was taken just as she was beginning to thrive. Yet, in their grief, they hold onto the hope that Iryna’s story will inspire change, ensuring that others do not suffer the same fate.
A Call to Action
Iryna Zarutska’s tragic death is a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of public safety. Her family’s call for justice and reform resonates beyond Charlotte, touching the hearts of the Ukrainian diaspora and all those who believe in the promise of a better life. As the community mourns, there is a collective resolve to honor Iryna’s memory by advocating for a safer, more just society. Her story, though marked by tragedy, is also one of courage, love, and the enduring hope for a brighter future.
In the words of a note left among the flowers and candles at a memorial for Iryna, “We failed you, Iryna.” The challenge now is to ensure that her death was not in vain, that her dream of safety and peace becomes a reality for others. As Charlotte and the nation grapple with this loss, Iryna’s legacy will endure as a call to action—a reminder that every life deserves protection, and every dream deserves a chance to flourish.