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A new species of butterfly has been named in honor of children Ukrainian refugee, Iryna ZarutskaWho was stabbed to death while riding the light rail in Charlotte, North Carolina earlier this year.
The scientist who dedicated the beautiful, light blue species Zarutska said tribute She will surpass most others because her name will “be immortalized as a butterfly.”
Harry Pavulan, president and director of the International Lepidoptera Survey, calls this insect “Irina’s azure”, which is found primarily in South Carolina around April.
“The species name is a tribute to Irina Zarutska, 23 year old Ukrainian refugee Who was senselessly murdered in a Charlotte, NC transit car on August 22, 2025.” Pavulan’s report Reading. “Common name: Irina’s Azure. The name is taken from the Greek goddess of peace, and is associated with peace, harmony, and stability.”
Pavulan told ABC News Before Zarutska was murdered, she already had a name in mind for the insect, which was first discovered in 1985 by another researcher, who had never officially named the butterfly.
In 2018, Pavulan went to South Carolina to study the species and then conducted years of research to conclude that this was “the first known hybrid introgression” for azure butterflies.
When the scientist saw the news of Zarutska’s death, he told ABC he was “filled with tears” and decided to accelerate his research paper, and named the butterfly after the 23-year-old butterfly.
He said Zarutska’s mother wrote to him in response to the tribute and said it was “heartfelt”.
Zarutska and her family moved to the United States in 2022, fleeing the war in Ukraine in search of a better life.
She died in a horrific train attack on the evening of 22 August while she was on her way home.
DeCarlos Brown Jr., 34, was indicted by a federal grand jury on Wednesday and could face the death penalty if found guilty.
Brown was charged with violence against a railroad carrier and mass transportation system resulting in death, which makes him eligible for the death penalty.
Zarutska’s 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.
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.
When an attorney listed for Brown did not respond Independent An attempt was first made to contact him for comment.