The man accused of killing Iryna Zarutska in North Carolina has been found unable to stand trial “at this time,” a U.S. attorney said Tuesday.
U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina Russ Ferguson confirmed the news regarding alleged killer Decarlos Brown Jr., telling the press that he is hopeful the accused will stand trial eventually, WBTV News reported. Brown was accused of the slaying of Zarutska, 23, aboard a Charlotte, North Carolina, light rail back in August 2025. Surveillance footage appeared to show Brown seated behind Zarutska before standing up and allegedly stabbing the Ukrainian refugee in her neck.
A grand jury indicted Brown on charges of muder in September 2025, WCNC reported. On Tuesday, the judge determined that Brown lacked comprehension of the proceedings he faced or help in his own defense, but doctors think his capicity may be restorable, WCNC reported. (RELATED: White House Says Democrats Refused To Applaud Mother Of Slain Ukrainian Refugee During Trump’s SOTU Address)
“The doctor that examined him for the competency hearing today found that his prognosis for restoration is very good, so I rely on the doctors there. I think the prognosis is good and we’ll see him stand trial,” Ferguson said.
🚨OH. MY. GOSH!!!
The man who m*rdered Iryna Zarutska on the Light Rail in Charlotte NC, DeCarlos Brown Jr…
…has just been found “UNABLE TO STAND TRIAL” on BOTH THE STATE AND FEDERAL m*rder charges brought against him too!!!!!!!!!!
WHAT THE HELL?!!!!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/SrbFhdMFvg
— Matt Van Swol (@mattvanswol) June 9, 2026
“This was not unexpected. We have confidence that his capacity will be restored so he can stand trial for what he did to Iryna,” Zarutska’s family attorney told Spectrum 1 News.