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Donald Trump demanded swift trial and death penalty for Decarlos Brown Jr. after he fatally stabbed Iryna Zarutska, a Ukrainian refugee, on a train.
US President Donald Trump. (Reuters file photo)
US President Donald Trump called for a swift trial and the death penalty for Decarlos Brown Jr., the 34-year-old man accused of brutally stabbing Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee, to death on a commuter train in North Carolina last month. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Donald Trump condemned the killing and labeled the suspect an “animal.”
“The ANIMAL who so violently killed the beautiful young lady from Ukraine, who came to America searching for peace and safety, should be given a ‘Quick’ (there is no doubt!) Trial, and only awarded THE DEATH PENALTY. There can be no other option!!!” Donald Trump wrote.
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Iryna Zarutska was fatally stabbed on August 22 while riding a Charlotte Area Transit System light-rail train. Surveillance footage showed Decarlos Brown Jr. seated directly behind her before suddenly standing and slashing her neck with a pocketknife. Passengers screamed and scattered as Iryna Zarutska collapsed.
Decarlos Brown was arrested at the scene and charged with first-degree murder. Iryna Zarutska’s relatives said she had fled Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Suspect’s Criminal History Under Scanner
Court records show that Decarlos Brown Jr. has cycled through the criminal justice system for more than a decade, with 14 prior cases in Mecklenburg County, including a five-year prison sentence for robbery with a dangerous weapon. Earlier this year, his mother sought an involuntary psychiatric commitment after he became violent at home and doctors diagnosed schizophrenia. In January, Decarlos Brown was arrested again after repeatedly calling 911 from a hospital, claiming people were trying to control him. A judge released him without bail= a decision now under heavy scrutiny following Iryna Zarutska’s killing.
Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)
September 10, 2025, 18:48 IST
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