The tragic death of a young Ukrainian refugee has left a Charlotte community reeling, with grief and anger spilling across social media. Iryna Zarutska, 23, was fatally stabbed on a light rail train on August 22, and her heartbroken boyfriend, Stas Nikulytsia, has now shared his anguish in the wake of the senseless attack.
Nikulytsia, who is described online as Iryna’s life partner, has taken to Instagram to express both his sorrow and fury, reposting messages from supporters questioning how the alleged attacker, career criminal DeCarlos Brown Jr., was ever allowed back on the streets. The posts reveal a young man struggling to process the violent loss of someone he loved deeply.
A Life Uprooted by War, Only to End in Tragedy
Iryna and her family fled the devastation of Ukraine, escaping Vladimir Putin’s relentless bombardment. She arrived in the United States in August 2022 with her mother, Anna, her sister, Valeria, and her brother, Bohdan, seeking safety and a fresh start. Initially, she stayed with her uncle in the quiet suburb of Huntersville, North Carolina. But soon, she moved in with Stas in a stylish apartment in NoDa, Charlotte’s arts district—a vibrant neighborhood known for its galleries, music, and creative spirit.
In the aftermath of her death, Nikulytsia shared poignant snapshots of the couple together, their faces lit with smiles and love. One photo shows them sitting by a lake, Iryna’s arms around him, while he gently rests a hand on her leg. Another captures them laughing after a swim, her hair wet and her joy palpable. Even a simple mushroom motif—a favorite of Iryna’s—now symbolizes their love, appearing in both her beloved hoodie and the decorations surrounding her cremation urn.
The Horror Unfolds
On that fateful evening, Iryna texted Stas from her job at Zepeddie’s, a local pizza parlor, letting him know she was heading home. She never made it. When she failed to arrive, her family tracked her phone and discovered she was still at the station. Their worst fears were confirmed: she had died at the scene.
Surveillance footage from the train has circulated online, showing the moments before and after the attack. Nikulytsia has shared clips highlighting both the assault and the apparent inaction of nearby passengers. One video captures an unsettling voice saying, “got that white girl,” although it remains unclear if this came from the alleged killer or someone else. Public reaction has been swift, with many expressing outrage at what they see as failures in security and responsibility.
Questions About Legal Oversight
Much of the anger surrounding Iryna’s death focuses on the criminal justice system. Brown, 34, a homeless man with a lengthy record of arrests, had been released just seven months prior to the killing by North Carolina magistrate Teresa Stokes. He was freed on a “written promise” to appear in court again, despite a troubling history of violence. The decision has sparked a heated debate about judicial accountability, with many questioning how someone with Brown’s record could be trusted to remain free.
Brown has claimed in a recorded phone call that external forces controlled his actions during the attack. This explanation has done little to quiet public outrage or soothe the grief of Iryna’s loved ones. Nikulytsia and the family have openly called for justice, demanding a full investigation into the circumstances that allowed such a tragedy to occur.
A Community Mourns
The couple’s apartment in NoDa, once a place of joy and security, now carries painful memories. Residents note the building’s private entrance to the light rail, which would have brought Iryna safely home mere minutes after leaving the train. The community has begun talking about ways to honor her memory, including the possibility of a permanent memorial in the arts district.
A family spokesperson said, “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. No family should have to go through this.” Their attorney emphasized that the priority is ensuring Brown faces justice and remains behind bars. The family also demands scrutiny of public transportation safety and broader security measures to prevent similar tragedies.
The Road Ahead
As grief and outrage continue to ripple through Charlotte, Iryna’s story has become a stark reminder of vulnerability in public spaces and the importance of community vigilance. Her boyfriend, Stas, remains in mourning, sharing moments of their love while grappling with unimaginable loss. The tragedy has united neighbors, friends, and strangers alike in calls for accountability, change, and remembrance.
While the city struggles to make sense of the violence, Iryna’s life and spirit remain a symbol of courage, hope, and the cruel fragility of human existence. In the words of a resident moved by her story, her memory must not fade: a lasting tribute in the heart of NoDa may serve as a reminder that even in loss, her presence touched many lives.
