Decarlos Brown Jr., the man accused of fatally stabbing 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska on a Charlotte light rail train on August 22, 2025, has been found mentally incompetent to stand trial, according to court documents obtained by The Exclusive Press (EP).
A motion filed Tuesday, April 7, states that the 35-year-old Charlotte man was evaluated at Central Regional Hospital on December 29, 2025, and determined to be “incapable to proceed.”
Brown’s attorney, Daniel P. Brown, has requested a 180-day delay of the competency hearing under Rule 24.
Brown was charged on August 29, 2025, in connection with Zarutska’s killing. Authorities say the attack was unprovoked and occurred on a Charlotte light rail train as she was commuting home from work. According to reports and video evidence, Brown appeared to be in a distressed or erratic state before suddenly pulling out a pocket knife and stabbing her multiple times in the neck.
Zarutska had fled the war in Ukraine and moved to the United States to rebuild her life.
In the wake of her death, North Carolina lawmakers pushed for stronger safety measures on public transportation. Legislation was later signed into law to increase security presence and enhance emergency response protocols across transit systems, including light rail services.
In addition to the state case, Brown is also facing a federal charge of committing an act of violence on a mass transportation system resulting in death. Federal authorities allege the attack took place on a public transit vehicle, elevating the case due to its impact on public safety. If convicted, that charge carries the possibility of life imprisonment or the death penalty.
At the state level, Brown is charged with first-degree murder and could face life in prison without the possibility of parole if convicted.
If a judge formally determines that Brown is incompetent to stand trial, the state case would likely be paused rather than dismissed. The charges would remain pending and could proceed if he is later restored to competency. Legal proceedings are typically suspended until a defendant is deemed fit to stand trial.
Court records also show Brown has an extensive criminal history, with multiple arrests before Zarutska’s death.
