Federal Charges Filed in Stabbing of Ukrainian Refugee on Charlotte Train

The Department of Justice has announced federal charges against Decarlos Dejuan Brown Jr., who is accused of fatally stabbing Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee, on a North Carolina train. The DOJ revealed Thursday that Brown will face one count of causing death on a mass transportation system. Attorney General Pam Bondi stated the agency seeks the “maximum penalty” for the Aug. 22 attack, calling it a consequence of “failed soft-on-crime policies.” Brown, a 34-year-old repeat violent offender with a criminal history dating to 2011, is currently under a ‘no bond’ order after being arrested at least 14 times for offenses including robbery, assault, and felony larceny. The FBI described the attack as a “disgraceful act” that should never occur in America, emphasizing its commitment to ensuring violent criminals remain incarcerated. Brown, who was previously sentenced to five years for robbery with a deadly weapon, is homeless and faces first-degree murder charges in the case.

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