Decarlos Brown Jr. was found incompetent to stand trial in federal court on June 9, 2026, in the case involving the fatal stabbing of 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska on a Charlotte light rail train on August 22, 2025 [1, 2]. The federal judge ruled Brown unable to understand the proceedings or assist in his defense, ordering him committed for treatment, including possible hospitalization for up to four months to restore competency [1, 2]. Brown remains in federal custody during his treatment. If his competency is restored, the federal case, in which he faces charges including acts causing death on a mass transportation system with penalties up to life imprisonment or the death penalty, may resume [1, 2].
In addition to federal charges, Brown faces first-degree murder charges in state court for Zarutska’s killing. He was previously found incompetent to stand trial in the state case after a Bureau of Prisons evaluation on May 7, 2026, confirmed his inability to proceed [2]. His state trial was delayed until at least October 2026 following the April finding of incompetency [1, 2].
The victim, Iryna Zarutska, was 23 years old at the time of the attack [1, 2]. Brown’s age is reported as either 34 or 35, depending on the source [1, 2]. Russ Ferguson, US attorney for the Western District of North Carolina, said, "This case weighs on our hearts every day, and our chief concern is obtaining justice for Iryna Zarutska and her family. This is a step in the process to ensure we have a solid case that can withstand appeal" [1].
Brown’s treatment to regain competency will continue under federal supervision as he awaits potential resumption of trial proceedings.
