Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles expressed sorrow over the fatal stabbing of 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska on the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) light rail last month. In a statement obtained by WCNC, Mayor Lyles extended her condolences to Zarutska’s family and reiterated her commitment to improving safety in Charlotte.
Surveillance video released by CATS, reported by Queen City News, showed no interaction between Zarutska and the suspect, DeCarlos Brown, before the attack. Riders expressed concern about light rail safety, with one suggesting that increased ticket checks could deter potential offenders.
Brown, who was charged with first-degree murder, reportedly did not have a ticket for the light rail. He was arrested after the incident and later hospitalized before being charged. Mayor Lyles thanked the media and community for not sharing the video of the attack, according to WBTV.
CATS reported a shortage of 35 officers and is working with a private security firm to fill its full complement of 219 officers. A Queen City News ride-along revealed no visible security officers at the time, highlighting gaps in coverage. Officials are reviewing fare enforcement and officer visibility across the transit system. Brown’s attorney has filed a motion for a competency evaluation as the case continues.
