The term “American Dream” is typically used to describe a long, happy, healthy, and family-bound life. “The American dream” was one of the last words of 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska.
In Charlotte, North Carolina, on August 22nd, a fatal stabbing took place, involving a Ukrainian refugee. The attack on Zarutska happened on a train that carried her home from work.
Zarutska and her murderer, who ended up being in the same place at the same time. The difference was that one was a young woman trying to pursue her dream life, and the other was a man with malicious intent.
The attacker was a silent man who sat closely behind her. Decarlos Brown, a 34-year-old man, was charged with first-degree murder. Brown was sent to a mental hospital quickly after the original arrest.
Zarutska was pronounced dead at the scene.
The victim, Zarutska, fled Ukraine in 2022, escaping the war. She came into America with her mother, sister, and brother.
Zarutska was employed at a local pizzeria, but used to work in a sandwich shop and assisted living.
Footage shows that she was stabbed at least four times—three in the back, and one in the neck. Zarutska and Brown had no background history together.
Brown has a long criminal history involving multiple arrests, criminal charges, and has been diagnosed with schizophrenia. Which, therefore, leads to why he did it. Brown claims, “She was reading my mind.”
The Trump administration speaks out about this case by saying, “The killing shows how local leaders, judges, and policies in Democratic-led cities are failing to protect their residents from violent crime.”
Although evidence leads to Democratic and Republican district attorneys having both been protectors of Brown.
The New York Times states, “He was prosecuted by both Democratic and Republican district attorneys, in a state where a Republican legislature has controlled the criminal statutes for 15 years.”
No matter who was responsible for any cases involving Brown, he was still able to walk freely on the streets. Even though they knew he had extreme mental health problems and a long criminal history.
This specific case highlights society’s true colors on basic empathy and social awareness.
Zarutska’s murder led to people voicing their concerns about public safety and justice for the innocent. The delayed reaction from citizens riding the bus just next to Zaurstka strikes controversy on simple humanity.
No one batted an eye, called for help, or even tried to get Brown away from Zaurstka until she had already lost a deadly amount of blood. The most shocking part was that when Brown fled the scene, nobody even helped Zarutska.
Hundreds of people have gathered at Zarutska’s memorial, which is located at the South End Charlotte’s rail station. Visitors pay their respects and leave flowers, portraits, and candles.
According to APNews, Attorney General Pam Bond states, “We will seek the maximum penalty for this unforgivable act of violence — he will never again see the light of day as a free man.”
