North Carolina Tragedy: Boyfriend of Ukrainian Refugee Speaks Out After Train Attack Sparks Outrage

 What began as an ordinary evening in Charlotte has turned into a heartbreaking story that has captured national attention. On August 22, 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska sent her boyfriend a simple message: she’d be home soon. Minutes later, she became the victim of a shocking attack while boarding a train. Her sudden and senseless death has left her family, friends, and community reeling — and has sparked growing outrage over how the justice system failed to prevent it.

Iryna’s journey to North Carolina was meant to bring hope and stability. She fled Ukraine in 2022 with her family, determined to build a new life free from violence. Working at a local pizzeria while attending community college to learn English, she quickly became known as hardworking, kind, and full of dreams. Her boyfriend, Stanislav “Stas” Nikulytsia, shared their love story openly, later posting a heartbreaking photo of them together as he struggled to process the loss. His grief has touched thousands online, with many offering prayers and condolences.

In the days that followed, frustration mounted as details about the accused attacker, Decarlos Brown Jr., came to light. Brown, who had been arrested 14 times, was previously released on cashless bail — a decision made by Magistrate Judge Teresa Stokes. Stas, devastated and angry, criticized the ruling, while state leaders including North Carolina House Speaker Tim Moore condemned the judge’s decision as a catastrophic failure of the justice system. The case has reignited calls for judicial reform, particularly regarding repeat offenders and public safety.