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person accused of murder Ukrainian refugees on light rail in CharlotteNorth Carolina, has been indicted on federal charges and could face the death penalty if convicted.
DeCarlos Brown Jr., 34, was indicted by a federal grand jury on Wednesday Horrific train attack on 23 year old Irina Zarutska Who took his life on 22 August.
Brown has been charged with violence against a railroad carrier and mass transit system resulting in death, which makes him eligible for the death penalty.
Zarutska moved to the United States with her family in 2022 to escape the war in Ukraine.
His family welcomed the indictment And said they “hope for speedy justice.”
“The family is pleased that the federal grand jury returned an indictment against DeCarlos Brown Jr.,” a brief statement issued by the family’s attorney said.
President Donald Trump previously called for Brown to face the death penalty on Truth Social. Trump said, “The brute who so brutally killed a beautiful young Ukrainian woman who came to America in search of peace and safety should be ‘promptly’ (no doubt!) prosecuted and given only the death penalty.” “There can be no other option!!!”
Horrific footage of Zarutska’s final moments showed her climbing into a light rail car and taking a seat. Prosecutors say four minutes later, fellow passenger Brown pulled out a knife and stabbed her three times in the back.
The accused had been arrested more than a dozen times before but was released without bond on misdemeanor charges earlier this year.
The incident, along with concerns about Brown’s own criminal record and his mental health, sparked renewed debate about public safety and crime across the United States. raising questions About how and why he was released from jail.
Brown, who suffers from schizophrenia, had previously been arrested 14 times on charges of burglary, robbery with a dangerous weapon and uttering threats, leading to a six-year prison sentence in 2015 for incidents in 2013 and 2014. He was released in 2020.
In January this year, while in hospital, Brown told called police officers that he was being “controlled” by a man-made substance. Brown during conversation with officers Allegedly Got frustrated and dialed 911, asking for the police. Officers at the scene arrested him for misuse of 911.
Brown was later released by a magistrate judge after signing a written promise to appear at the next court hearing.
In response to the shocking case, North Carolina lawmakers last month gave final approval to “Irina’s Law,” a sweeping step forward. republican– The backed criminal justice package aims to tighten bail rules, mandate more mental health evaluations for defendants and even reopen the door to executions after nearly two decades.
“Brown should never be let out of prison,” Charlotte-area Republican Representative Tricia Cotham said during a two-hour debate in the House. “The practice of catching and releasing violent criminals will end today with your support. This heinous act could have been prevented.”
Independent Attempts have been made to reach an attorney listed for Brown for comment.
Andrea Cavaliere contributed reporting.