The homeless criminal who stabbed Iryna Zaruska to death has been federally charged with a crime that could lead to the death penalty. Decarlos Brown Jr., 34, faces one count of committing an act causing death on a mass transportation system. He was previously charged with first-degree murder in North Carolina for allegedly stabbing the 23-year-old Ukrainian woman to death aboard a Charlotte light-rail train on August 22.

Pam Bondi, a federal prosecutor, stated her office will seek the “maximum penalty” for Brown Jr., calling him a “repeat violent offender.” The charges ensure that North Carolina cannot impose a lenient sentence, as the state’s legal system has previously failed to deliver justice in similar cases.

U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson described the attack as a “terroristic act” and emphasized the brutality of the crime. He noted that Iryna Zarutska, an immigrant who fled war in Ukraine, was building her life in America before her death. Ferguson also mentioned that Zarutska’s family is “suffering like any of us would be.”

FBI Charlotte Special Agent James C. Barnacle Jr. highlighted the tragedy of Zarutska’s story, stating she had recently moved in with her partner and worked at a senior citizens center and a pizza place. He expressed hope that federal charges will bring “a measure of justice” for her family.

Brown Jr.’s prior state court charges for first-degree murder remain active, but the new federal indictment adds severity to his potential sentencing. No further details about the investigation were provided in the available statements.